Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole is the perfect one-dish dinner, made with tender chicken, creamy rice, and a savory sauce baked to golden perfection. This comforting casserole is rich, hearty, and satisfying, making it ideal for family meals, meal prep, or potlucks.
Packed with flavor and simple ingredients, this dish comes together quickly and can easily be customized with your favorite veggies or seasonings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Dish Wonder – Everything cooked in one pan
- Creamy & Comforting – Perfectly tender rice and chicken
- Hearty & Filling – Ideal for a satisfying family dinner
- Quick & Easy – Prep in minutes and bake
- Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or spices
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Great for meal prep
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Mix the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Add Rice and Chicken
Add uncooked rice, shredded chicken, and peas (if using) to the bowl.
Mix well to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
How to Serve
Plating Tips:
Serve casserole directly from the dish with extra cheese or parsley if desired.
Side Pairings:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Simple green salad
Leftover Uses:
- Reheat for lunch
- Serve in wraps or as a baked potato topping
- Turn into a creamy pasta dish
Beverage Pairing:
- Lemon iced tea
- Sparkling water
- Light white wine
Additional Tips
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for even easier prep
- Double the recipe for larger families or leftovers
- For a crispy topping, add breadcrumbs on top of the cheese
- Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist (note: cooking time may vary)
Variations
- Veggie Version: Add sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, or bell peppers
- Spicy Chicken Rice Casserole: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes
- Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
- Cheesy Chicken Rice: Add mozzarella or fontina for extra cheese
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerate: Up to 4 days
Freeze: Up to 2 months (before baking)
Reheat: Oven or microwave with a splash of broth
Special Equipment
- Casserole dish
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it the night before and bake the next day.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you may need to cook it longer or use more broth.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze it uncooked and bake when ready.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach would be great additions.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole is the perfect one-pan dinner that’s easy to make and full of comforting flavors. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping meals for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
