Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole 🍲❤️

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, creamy rice, and a golden breadcrumb topping, it’s a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or feeding a crowd. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a dish to impress your family, this casserole has got you covered.

Let’s dive into how to make this hearty and satisfying dish step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Wonder : Minimal cleanup—everything bakes together in one dish.
2. Comfort Food Classic : Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with comforting flavors.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly : Prep ahead and bake when ready, making it perfect for busy days.
4. Customizable : Add veggies, switch up cheeses, or adjust spices to suit your taste.
5. Kid-Friendly : A hit with kids and adults alike—perfect for picky eaters.

Ingredients

(Serves 6–8)

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed )
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping )
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper , to taste
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping )
• 2 tbsp butter , melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice , cream of chicken soup , cream of mushroom soup , chicken broth , milk , garlic powder , onion powder , salt , and pepper . Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add Chicken

1. Fold in the cooked chicken and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese . Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.

Step 5: Top with Cheese

1. Sprinkle an additional layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top for extra cheesiness.

Step 6: Add Breadcrumbs

1. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter . Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
2. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer for a crispy, golden topping.

Step 7: Bake

1. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes .
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes , or until the rice is tender, the casserole is bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
2. Pair with a fresh salad, steamed veggies, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

1. Use Leftover Chicken : Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience and added flavor.
2. Add Veggies : Stir in frozen peas, diced carrots, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
3. Switch Up Cheeses : Use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
4. Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days . Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth or milk to keep it moist.
5. Freeze for Later : Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Perfect Pairings

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh Salad : A crisp green salad or Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast.
• Steamed Vegetables : Serve with broccoli, green beans, or carrots for added nutrition.
• Crusty Bread : Warm, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Hot Sauce or Sriracha : Add a dash for those who like a little heat.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 8 servings)

• Calories : ~350 kcal
• Protein : ~20g
• Carbohydrates : ~30g
• Fat : ~18g
• Fiber : ~2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, indulgent dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of tender chicken, creamy rice, and melty cheese creates a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to love. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, it’s a recipe that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences or experiment with different toppings. So grab your ingredients, toss them into that casserole dish, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.