Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole

When it comes to cozy, family-friendly meals, nothing hits the spot quite like a casserole. Warm, hearty, and soul-soothing, casseroles have been a staple on American dinner tables for generations. Among them, one stands out as a timeless favorite: Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole.

This dish is the epitome of comfort food. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a velvety sauce come together in one dish, baked to golden perfection. It’s a recipe that feels like a hug in a pan—simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal, a dish to bring to a potluck, or a freezer-friendly dinner for busy nights, this casserole delivers every time.

Why This Recipe Works

Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Comfort – You only need a handful of pantry staples like rice, cream of chicken soup, and shredded chicken to create a deeply satisfying meal.

One Dish Wonder – Everything bakes in one casserole dish, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy with your family.

Make-Ahead Friendly – You can assemble this casserole in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready. Perfect for meal prepping!

Kid-Approved – Creamy, cheesy, and mild in flavor, this is one of those meals that even picky eaters happily devour.

Customizable – Add vegetables, swap cheeses, or even use leftover turkey instead of chicken. The base recipe is foolproof and adaptable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)

1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked

2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom, if you prefer)

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

1 cup frozen peas and carrots

1 cup steamed broccoli florets

½ cup crispy fried onions for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well mixed.

3. Add Rice & Chicken

Stir in the uncooked rice and cooked chicken until everything is evenly coated. If you’re adding vegetables, fold them in at this stage.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top.

5. Bake

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the casserole is bubbly.

6. Serve

Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Top with fresh parsley, extra cheese, or crispy fried onions for garnish.

Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success

Don’t Skip the Foil – Covering the casserole for most of the bake time traps steam and ensures the rice cooks evenly.

Use Rotisserie Chicken – Saves time and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Make It Ahead – Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Cheese Choices – Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack can switch things up.

Freezer-Friendly – Assemble, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an additional 15–20 minutes to the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can make it even better by pairing it with sides:

Fresh Green Salad – A crisp salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.

Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus complement the creamy flavors.

Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Fruit Salad – Adds freshness and a touch of sweetness to the meal.

Variations to Try

Mexican-Inspired – Add a can of diced green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack, and top with crushed tortilla chips.

Broccoli Cheddar – Fold in steamed broccoli and use sharp cheddar for a hearty, veggie-packed twist.

Italian Style – Add Italian seasoning, mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.

Turkey & Rice Casserole – Perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers—just swap chicken with turkey.

Why Families Love This Casserole

Comforting Texture – Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice make every bite satisfying.

Budget-Friendly – Uses inexpensive ingredients that can feed a crowd.

Easy Cleanup – One casserole dish is all you need.

Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. Pre-cook it slightly or extend the baking time by 15–20 minutes.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free.

Can I add raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, but it’s recommended to dice it into small cubes so it cooks thoroughly during baking.

How long does it last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, leftovers keep for 3–4 days.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole is proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, a rich creamy sauce, and melty cheese, it’s the definition of comfort food. This recipe has stood the test of time, beloved by families for generations, and for good reason—it’s easy, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable.

Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or preparing a dish to share with friends and family, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your meal rotation.

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