If you’re hunting for the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food, look no further than Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole. This is the kind of dish friends and family will request again and again: rich, hearty, and impossibly creamy, with golden bits of chicken, tender rice, and pops of veggies all baked together under a cheesy, bubbly topping. Whether you’re feeding a hungry troop after a busy week or bringing a warming dish to a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to spark big smiles and full bellies.

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is its simplicity—every ingredient plays a special role. These pantry and fridge staples come together effortlessly for a result that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen, even if you haven’t.

Cooked chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken makes this dish extra easy—shred or cube it for hearty bites throughout.
Uncooked long-grain white rice: The perfect variety for soaking up all the creamy flavors without getting mushy.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth and helps create the perfect creamy consistency.
Cream of mushroom soup: Adds classic, earthy creaminess and ties every flavor together.
Cream of chicken soup: Delivers rich, savory notes and extra silkiness to the sauce.
Sour cream: A generous scoop brings tangy balance and creamy body to the casserole—don’t skip it!
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly for that savory, gooey top layer everyone loves.
Frozen peas: Thawed in the oven, they bring bursts of sweetness and color in every forkful.
Diced carrots: These give the casserole a welcome pop of color and subtle earthy crunch.
Garlic powder: Adds a gentle, garlicky kick that flows through every bite.
Onion powder: Blends into the creamy mix for classic comfort flavor without chopping onions.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together—taste and adjust as needed.
Black pepper: A dash for just the right amount of warmth.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top, it adds an irresistible golden crust and nutty finish.
Chopped parsley (optional): For a bright, fresh flourish to finish—totally optional, but always pretty!

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To make sure nothing sticks and clean-up stays easy, give your favorite 9×13-inch casserole dish a light greasing with butter or a quick mist of cooking spray. Get that out of the way and you’re ready to assemble.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the uncooked rice, chicken broth, both soups, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Take a minute here to whisk it all well—the smoother the mix, the creamier the final casserole. This step locks in that signature Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole texture and rich flavor.

Step 3: Add Chicken, Veggies, and Cheese

Time to amp up the good stuff! Stir in the shredded or cubed chicken, carrots, peas, and cheddar cheese. Make sure everything is nicely coated with that luscious creamy base. You’ll see a rainbow of colors and know you’re building something delicious.

Step 4: Layer and Top

Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese across the top in an even layer. The Parmesan will transform into a savory, golden crust during baking, making every bite of this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole extra special.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to trap in all the moisture. Pop it in the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes—enough time for the rice to soak up all those flavors and become perfectly tender. Once done, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes until the top is lightly browned and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Let your Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole sit for at least 5 minutes out of the oven. This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier. For a final flourish, sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like—it adds a touch of freshness to the rich and creamy casserole.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Garnishes

Just before serving, a shower of chopped fresh parsley brings pop and contrast to your creamy creation. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even a scatter of crispy fried onions makes the dish look (and taste) next-level. These simple touches can turn Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole into a real showstopper, perfect for guests or any special occasion.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but a crisp, fresh salad with lemony vinaigrette or roasted green beans makes a lovely, colorful pairing. For a comforting classic, serve with fluffy dinner rolls or warm garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the baking dish! Try portioning the Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole into individual ramekins for a party-worthy twist, or nestle it inside baked bell peppers for a fun weeknight dinner. For potlucks, bake in a disposable foil pan for super easy transport and serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole keeps beautifully covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Scoop it into an airtight container once fully cooled—it’s just as comforting (or maybe even better!) the next day for lunch or dinner.

Freezing

This casserole is freezer-friendly and makes a fantastic meal prep option. Simply cool completely, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, or place in a tightly sealed freezer container. Freeze for up to 2 months; label and date to stay organized. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Rewarm portions gently in the microwave, stirring halfway for even heat. For larger amounts, cover your baking dish tightly with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until piping hot, about 20 to 25 minutes. If needed, add a drizzle of chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to extend the baking time by 15 to 20 minutes and add a splash more broth to prevent dryness. Keep an eye on the texture for best results.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver for speed and flavor, but any cooked boneless chicken works well—poached, baked, roasted, or even leftover grilled chicken is fair game. Just make sure it’s shredded or cubed and fully cooked before mixing in.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is super adaptable. Try broccoli florets, sweet corn, bell peppers, or diced zucchini. Use up whatever’s in your crisper drawer—the more veggies, the merrier.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover it well, and keep it refrigerated. When ready to bake, let it sit out for 20 to 30 minutes to take the chill off, then bake as directed. Perfect for busy schedules!

How can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Just swap in gluten-free condensed soups and be sure your chicken broth is GF-friendly. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt for dietary needs without losing that comforting flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you and your loved ones to dig into this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole. It’s warming, family-friendly, and endlessly adaptable—pretty much everything you could hope for in a comforting casserole. Give it a try, play with the garnishes and veggies, and let this become one of your signature “cozy night in” recipes!

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this comforting Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy sauces come together in a delicious baked dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rice, chicken broth, soups, sour cream, seasonings, chicken, vegetables, and cheddar cheese.
Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
Add toppings: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake covered: Cover with foil and bake for 50-55 minutes until rice is tender.
Brown the top: Uncover, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to brown the top.
Rest and serve: Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.