Cozy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe: A Family Favorite

Comfort finds its sweet spot in this hearty chicken and rice casserole that promises warmth with every forkful.

Layers of tender chicken mingle with fluffy rice, creating a delightful melody of flavors.

Creamy textures and rich seasonings blend seamlessly in this home-style dish.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more delicious with this simple yet satisfying meal.

Families adore how quickly it comes together, making busy evenings feel effortless.

Cheesy, golden, and packed with protein, you’ll want to savor each comforting bite.

Grab a spoon and let this casserole become your new favorite go-to recipe.

Why Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe Is A Lazy Day Favorite

• Conquer Comfort Cooking: A supremely satisfying dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal without complex techniques.
• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: One-pan wonder that minimizes kitchen cleanup and maximizes flavor, perfect for busy households craving hearty nutrition.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allowing flexible ingredient swaps like different proteins, cheeses, or adding vegetables to match family preferences and pantry contents.
• Create Memorable Meals: Nostalgic comfort food that brings families together, offering warm, creamy satisfaction that sparks conversation and creates lasting memories around the dinner table.

What You’ll Need For Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that creates the hearty base of this comforting casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: These ingredients provide a rich and smooth texture that makes the casserole extra creamy and delicious.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps cook the rice perfectly.

• Long-Grain White Rice: Serves as the classic, fluffy foundation of the casserole.
• Onion: Brings a subtle, sweet depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Offers a mild, aromatic seasoning that enhances the dish's taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the other ingredients.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a sharp, tangy flavor to the casserole.
• Slivered Almonds: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty accent to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for greasing the casserole dish to prevent sticking.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps retain moisture and ensure even cooking.

How To Make Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe Easily

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F. This warm welcome ensures your casserole gets that perfect, even cook.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

• Long-grain white rice
• Chicken broth
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Diced onion
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk everything together until it looks like a creamy dream. This mixture is your flavor secret weapon.

Step 3: Prep the Cooking Vessel

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick olive oil massage. This trick prevents any sticky situations and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 4: Layer the Goodness

Pour your rice mixture into the dish, spreading it out like a smooth blanket. Nestle chicken breasts on top, giving them a light salt and pepper shower. Then rain down a snowstorm of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Add Some Crunch

Want some texture? Sprinkle slivered almonds over the cheese. They’ll bring a delightful crunch to the party.

Step 6: First Bake Session

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Let it hang out for an hour, allowing flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 7: Final Golden Touch

Remove the foil and give it another 15-20 minutes. Watch for that gorgeous golden-brown top and bubbling edges that scream “I’m delicious!”

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Pull it out and let the casserole chill for 5 minutes. This lets everything settle and become even more amazing. Serve hot and watch everyone dive in with smiles!

Helpful Tips For Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

• Prevent Rice Sticking: Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy, separated grains that won't clump together.
• Control Moisture Levels: Cover casserole with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture, preventing dry chicken and rice.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté onions before adding to the mixture to enhance their natural sweetness and create a more complex taste profile.
• Achieve Perfect Texture: Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow ingredients to set and absorb remaining liquid, resulting in a creamier consistency.
• Accommodate Dietary Needs: Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for vegetarian options or use gluten-free soup for those with wheat sensitivities.

Fun Twists On Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

• Vegetarian Rice Casserole: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free alternative or homemade cream sauce. Use gluten-free rice and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates. Keep the creamy sauce and cheese for rich flavor while making the dish more diet-friendly.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add Mediterranean herbs like oregano and basil. Include feta cheese instead of cheddar and mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor-packed transformation.

Best Pairings For Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay to complement the creamy chicken casserole's rich texture and balance its savory flavors.
• Enhance Vegetable Sides: Roast fresh asparagus or green beans with garlic and lemon to add brightness and cut through the dish's richness.
• Zesty Salad Companion: Create a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole.
• Beverage Refresh: Pour a cold glass of sparkling water with lemon or a light wheat beer to cleanse the palate between bites.

Smart Storage For Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

• Seal leftovers in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain quality and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. This method keeps your meal ready for future quick dinners.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.

FAQ Guide For Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to partially cook it beforehand or increase the liquid and baking time to ensure it becomes tender.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but you can also use chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture. Just ensure they are similar in size for even cooking.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-sodium chicken broth, reduced-fat cream of chicken soup, and part-skim cheese to cut down on calories and fat while maintaining great taste.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole reheats well and can be made ahead of time. You can assemble it, refrigerate, and bake when ready to eat, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and rice casserole delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending tender chicken with creamy rice in a soul-warming dish. Savory layers of flavor and simple ingredients promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Carbohydrates and Base:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 onion, diced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, creating the perfect environment for a harmonious casserole baking experience.
2. Create a luscious base by whisking together rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly incorporated.
3. Coat a 9×13 inch casserole dish with olive oil, ensuring a non-stick surface for effortless serving and cleanup.
4. Distribute the creamy rice mixture evenly across the prepared dish, then carefully arrange chicken breasts on top, seasoning with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper.
5. Lavishly cover the chicken with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese, creating a golden, melty blanket of flavor.
6. For added texture, scatter slivered almonds across the cheese, introducing a delightful crunch to the dish.
7. Seal the casserole with aluminum foil and nestle into the preheated oven for 1 hour, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deep, rich flavors.
8. Remove the foil after the initial baking period, returning the dish to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the top achieves a tantalizing golden-brown finish.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, letting the ingredients settle and intensify their flavors before serving this comforting meal.

Notes

• Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to make the dish lower-carb and gluten-free.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories and boost protein content.
• Toast almonds briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
• Choose skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish light and healthy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15-20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg