Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe: 30-Minute Family Favorite

A creamy chicken rice casserole represents the ultimate comfort food that upgrades ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Hearty and satisfying, this classic dish promises a delightful blend of textures and rich, harmonious flavors.

Ingredients meld together seamlessly, creating a smooth and velvety sensation that hugs your palate with warmth.

Family-friendly and incredibly versatile, this casserole adapts to different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Simple techniques and readily available components make it an accessible recipe for home cooks of all skill levels.

Weeknight dinners become moments of joy and connection when this soul-warming meal arrives at the table.

What Sides Complete This One-Pan Wonder

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the creamy richness, offering a refreshing contrast to the casserole's hearty texture.
• Complement with Zesty Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy and warm flavors, adding a bright, fresh element to the meal.
• Match with Roasted Vegetables: Serve roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to provide a caramelized, slightly crisp accompaniment that enhances the casserole's comfort food appeal.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Salad: A light, cold cucumber salad with dill and light sour cream creates a cool, refreshing side that helps temper the casserole's warmth and richness.

Fun Mix-Ins That Make Every Bite Unique

• Southwestern Spice Sensation: Replace cream of celery soup with cream of jalapeño, add diced green chiles, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Harmony: Incorporate fresh herbs like oregano and thyme, use arborio rice instead of white rice, and top with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-style transformation.
• Mushroom Wild Rice Fusion: Substitute white rice with a wild rice blend, add sautéed mushrooms and a splash of white wine to the broth mixture for an earthy, gourmet approach.
• Creamy Broccoli Chicken Upgrade: Mix in chopped broccoli florets before baking, use cream of broccoli soup, and sprinkle with extra sharp cheddar for a vegetable-packed, nutrient-rich variation.

Why This Creamy Casserole Is a Weeknight Superstar

• Savor Creamy Comfort: A hearty one-dish meal that wraps you in warm, comforting flavors with its rich and velvety texture, perfect for satisfying hunger and soothing the soul.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Incredibly simple preparation that requires minimal effort, combining all ingredients in one baking dish and letting the oven do the hard work in just over an hour.
• Customize Your Culinary Canvas: Versatile recipe that allows easy substitutions like swapping chicken with turkey, changing soup varieties, or adding vegetables to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Delivers a protein-packed, filling meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal solution for busy families seeking a delicious and nutritious dinner option.

Everything You’ll Need for That Perfect Comfort Layer

• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that provides hearty flavor and main substance of the casserole, preferably boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that adds depth of flavor and helps cook rice perfectly, low-sodium version recommended for better control of saltiness.
• White Rice: Starchy grain that forms the foundation of the casserole, long-grain variety works best for fluffy texture.

• Cream of Celery Soup: Creamy element that adds richness and helps bind ingredients together, canned version provides convenience.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth texture, unsalted preferred for better seasoning control.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides melty topping with sharp flavor, sharp variety recommended for more intense taste.

• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances overall taste.
• Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic background flavor without fresh garlic chunks.

• Aluminum Foil: Helps retain moisture during initial baking stage, standard kitchen wrap works perfectly.
• Non-Stick Spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking of casserole to baking dish.

How to Bake a Chicken and Rice Classic the Easy Way

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• Chicken broth
• Cream of celery soup
• Melted butter

Blend these ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Mix Main Ingredients

• Uncooked white rice
• Cubed chicken

• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder

Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.

Step 5: Initial Baking

Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Check that rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

Remove foil and sprinkle grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese melts beautifully.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. Serve warm alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that screams comfort and deliciousness.

Tips to Keep Your Casserole Creamy, Not Clumpy

• Opt for Long-Grain Rice: Choose long-grain white rice for the best texture, ensuring it cooks evenly and doesn't become mushy during the baking process.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté chicken with onions and garlic before mixing into the casserole to add an extra layer of rich, savory taste.
• Prevent Dryness Trick: Cover the casserole tightly with foil to lock in moisture, keeping the chicken tender and rice perfectly cooked.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Let the cheese rest for a few minutes after baking to create beautiful, golden-brown melted topping that looks as good as it tastes.
• Customize with Extras: Stir in frozen peas, diced carrots, or mushrooms to boost nutrition and add exciting texture to your comfort dish.

Best Storage for Keeping It Just as Creamy Tomorrow

• Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Transfer the dish to a sealed container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerated casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days when kept at 40°F or below.
• Freezing: Preserve extra portions by freezing in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Divide casserole into individual serving sizes for convenient future meals. Label containers with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated casserole in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth before reheating to restore moisture and prevent the dish from becoming too dry.

Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole brings comfort from grandma’s kitchen to modern dining tables. Savory chicken, tender rice, and rich cream sauce blend perfectly, creating a soul-warming meal that connects generations through delicious simplicity.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)

Grains and Liquid Base:

• 2 cups uncooked white rice
• 3 cups (710 milliliters) chicken broth

Flavor Enhancers and Toppings:

• 21 ounces (595 grams) cream of celery soup (2 cans, 10.5 ounces each)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish by lightly coating with non-stick cooking spray or softened butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together of chicken broth, 2 cans of cream of celery soup, and of melted butter until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
3. Fold in of uncooked white rice and of cubed cooked chicken. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor profile, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
4. Carefully transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to create a uniform layer. Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even cooking.
5. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 70 minutes while covered. After this time, verify that the rice has reached a tender consistency and the chicken is fully cooked through.
6. Remove the foil and generously sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole. Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and create a golden, bubbling surface.
7. Once baking is complete, allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes to set and cool slightly. Serve warm, accompanied by a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• Meal prep champions can assemble this casserole entirely in advance, refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking.
• Swap white rice for brown rice, understanding cooking times might slightly increase for a nuttier whole grain experience.
• Frozen chicken works perfectly when thawed completely and diced into consistent bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Low-sodium broth helps control salt levels, letting home cooks customize seasoning according to personal taste preferences.
• Extra flavor boosters include sautéed onions, diced celery, or a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or parsley before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 580 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1300 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg