If you are looking for a comforting, hearty, and truly soul-satisfying meal, this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. With tender shredded chicken mingling with fluffy rice all enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce made from cream soups and sour cream, every bite feels like a warm hug. It’s the perfect easy-to-make dish that delivers big on flavor while bringing everyone to the table with lighthearted smiles and full plates. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, this casserole brings a wonderful homey touch that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, making the dish not only flavorful but also wonderfully textured and visually inviting. The list is simple and straightforward, proving that incredible meals don’t require complicated grocery runs.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2-3 cups): Provides tender protein that absorbs all the creamy flavors beautifully.
- Lipton Onion Soup Mix (1 package): Brings savory depth and a gentle onion bite that enhances the overall taste.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can): Contributes earthiness and creaminess that builds the luscious sauce.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can): Adds a mild, chicken-flavored richness to intensify the comfort factor.
- Milk (2 cups): Lightens the sauce while keeping it silky and smooth.
- Sour cream (3/4 cup): Offers a slight tang and extra creaminess to balance the savory ingredients.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps cook the rice perfectly without diluting the flavors.
- Minute rice (2 cups, uncooked): Cooks quickly and soaks up all those delicious creamy juices.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating ensures your casserole cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden top in the final minutes.
Step 2: Mix the Magic
Grab a medium bowl and combine the cooked chicken, Lipton Onion Soup Mix, cream of mushroom and chicken soups, milk, sour cream, water, uncooked minute rice, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a uniform, creamy mixture packed with flavor.
Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup later.
Step 4: Transfer the Mixture
Pour your luscious chicken and rice mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly so every scoop has a perfect balance of ingredients once baked.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and help the rice cook through without drying the casserole. Pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for 45 minutes.
Step 6: Let it Brown
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 15 minutes. This final bake lets the top develop a light golden crust that adds delightful texture and visual appeal.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked to perfection, take your casserole out of the oven. Let it settle a few minutes before serving to allow the creamy goodness to set, making every spoonful just right. Dig in and relish that warm, hearty flavor you created!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top right before serving. A light dusting of shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese also adds a wonderful richness if you desire extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans, which provide a crisp contrast to its creamy texture. A simple garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness nicely, balancing your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation when entertaining guests. Layer leftovers in clear glass containers to show off the creamy layers or scoop it into lettuce cups for a fun, low-carb twist on the classic meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld even deeper with time.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Portion into freezer-safe containers before baking or freeze fully baked leftovers. Use within 2-3 months for best taste and texture preservation.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated casserole in the oven at 350 degrees covered with foil until heated through, about 20 minutes. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure even warmth and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Cooked chicken is best as it blends nicely with the other ingredients and ensures the dish cooks evenly. If using raw chicken, you would need to fully cook it first or adjust baking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the Lipton Onion Soup Mix and cream soups for gluten-free versions available at most grocery stores. Also, confirm that your rice is labeled gluten-free for a safe and delicious meal.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely. Vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or diced carrots make fantastic additions that boost nutrition and flavor. Just stir them in with the other ingredients before baking.
What’s the best type of rice to use?
The recipe calls for minute rice because it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. However, long-grain white rice or jasmine rice work fine too; just be mindful of adjusting liquid quantities and cooking time.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, doubling the recipe works great for bigger families or gatherings. Just use a larger baking dish or two pans, and make sure to keep the cooking times similar—check for doneness as oven strengths vary.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about a warm slice of this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe that soothes both the stomach and the heart. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and one of those timeless dishes that never fails to bring joy to the dinner table. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon—you just might discover your new favorite cozy meal!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for family meals. Featuring tender shredded chicken combined with savory onion soup mix, creamy mushroom and chicken soups, and fluffy minute rice, all baked to perfection in a single dish. The result is a rich, hearty casserole that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2–3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (or diced cooked chicken)
- 1 package Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups milk
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups uncooked minute rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare it for baking the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, Lipton Onion Soup Mix, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, water, uncooked minute rice, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Transfer Mixture: Pour the combined chicken and rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Cover with Foil: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in during baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the foil-covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and flavors while cooking.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the aluminum foil carefully and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. This step lets the top of the casserole set and brown slightly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool briefly, then serve warm. Enjoy your creamy, comforting chicken and rice casserole!
Notes
- Using cooked chicken from a rotisserie or leftover roast chicken works great for this recipe.
- If you prefer a thicker casserole, reduce the liquid slightly or use less milk.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition and color.
- Minute rice cooks quickly, but be sure to fully bake the casserole to allow the rice to absorb flavors and moisture.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
