Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole

Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole
Jump to Recipe

Looking for a cozy, comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week? This creamy chicken rice casserole is the ideal one-dish wonder—simple to make, packed with flavor, and family-approved. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing ahead for busy nights, this hearty meat recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.

Discover the ultimate creamy chicken rice casserole recipe at www.bbrecipes.com. This easy, homemade dish is packed with flavor, protein, and comfort—perfect for weeknight meals or meal prep. Follow our step-by-step guide with cooking tips, variations, and serving ideas!

Introduction

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a hot, bubbling casserole straight from the oven. It’s warm, filling, and nostalgic—all in one. Our creamy chicken rice casserole is everything you want in a homemade comfort food meal. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, creamy sauce, and a golden cheese topping, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

The best part? It’s an easy recipe that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student on a budget, or someone who simply loves good food, this creamy chicken rice casserole hits all the right notes. Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful, protein-packed dish from scratch.

Ingredients

Below are the ingredients needed for this hearty meat recipe. All components work together to create that rich, creamy, and savory flavor that defines this casserole.

IngredientQuantity
Cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)2 cups
Cooked white rice2 cups
Cream of chicken soup1 can (10.5 oz)
Sour cream1 cup
Milk½ cup
Cheddar cheese (shredded)1 ½ cups
Garlic powder1 tsp
Onion powder1 tsp
Salt and pepperTo taste
Frozen peas and carrots1 cup
Butter (melted)2 tbsp
Breadcrumbs½ cup

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings)

NutrientAmount
Calories430
Protein27g
Carbohydrates32g
Fat21g
Saturated Fat9g
Fiber3g

This creamy chicken rice casserole is a balanced meal that offers a great mix of protein, carbs, and fats—ideal for an energizing dinner.

Preparation Instructions

Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to make a perfectly creamy and flavorful creamy chicken rice casserole every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Combine the Base

In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Rice

Fold in the cooked chicken and rice. Stir until both are fully coated in the creamy sauce. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate Veggies

Add the frozen peas and carrots into the mixture. These not only bring color and nutrition but also create a more complete meal.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Topping

Mix melted butter with breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the cheese layer for a golden, crunchy topping.

Step 7: Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a lightly browned top.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.

Serving Suggestions

Wondering how to turn this creamy chicken rice casserole into a complete meal? Here are a few creative ideas:

  • Serve with a side salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
  • Pair with garlic bread: Great for scooping up creamy bites.
  • Make it a meal prep staple: Portion it out into containers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Whether served on its own or as part of a larger spread, this dish delivers every time.

Pro Tips

Want to make your creamy chicken rice casserole even better? Check out these cooking tips for a foolproof experience:

  • Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep without sacrificing flavor.
  • Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley add extra flavor to the base.
  • Don’t overbake: Check at 30 minutes to avoid drying out the casserole.
  • Add more protein by mixing in cooked bacon or diced ham for a meat recipe twist.

Simple cooking tips like these can make your next casserole your best yet.

Variations

Customizing your creamy chicken rice casserole to fit your dietary needs or taste preferences is easy. Here are some tasty variations and alternatives:

Vegetarian Option

  • Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms and use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken soup.

Gluten-Free Alternative

  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the soup base is gluten-free.

Spicy Version

  • Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a little heat.

Cheesy Swap

  • Use a cheese blend (Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Parmesan) for added flavor depth.

These substitutes ensure your recipe can evolve while maintaining its creamy heart.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make creamy chicken rice casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble it a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Q: Can I freeze the casserole?
A: Definitely. Assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Q: Is it okay to use uncooked rice?
A: For best results, use cooked rice. Uncooked rice may absorb too much liquid and alter the texture.

Q: Can I use different meats?
A: Absolutely. Turkey, ham, or even cooked sausage can replace the chicken.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.

Conclusion with Call-to-Action

Whether it’s your first time trying it or a returning favorite, this creamy chicken rice casserole is a delicious, satisfying meal that’s both budget-friendly and simple to prepare. It’s a one-pan wonder that turns pantry staples into a comforting dish everyone loves.

Bookmark this recipe, share it with family and friends, and don’t forget to comment below if you try it. Your feedback helps us create better recipes for home cooks like you.

For more homemade dishes, comfort food ideas, and easy cooking guides, visit **www.bbrecipes.com**—your go-to hub for everyday cooking made delicious.

Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole

Course: Dinner, Casserole, One-DishCuisine: American
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 
Calories

410

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)

  • 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice

  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth or water

  • 1 cup milk

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional topping)

  • ½ cup frozen peas or carrots (optional)

Directions

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  • Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the soups, broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir in the uncooked rice and chicken. Add veggies if using.
  • Pour & Cover: Pour the mixture into the casserole dish. Cover tightly with foil.
  • Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  • Add Cheese (Optional): Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
  • Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley or black pepper if desired.
Share your love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *