This Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole is the definition of cozy, classic comfort food. Juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a trio of velvety soups come together for a casserole that’s hearty, rich, and guaranteed to have everyone scooping seconds. Family dinners just got a delicious upgrade!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy Comfort: Every bite is packed with luscious, creamy goodness—perfect for when you need a little edible hug.
- Ridiculously Simple Prep: Just toss everything together in one dish, and let the oven do all the hard work—no fuss, no stress.
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe makes a generous batch, so it’s ideal for family nights or potlucks where you want to impress.
- Totally Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit picky eaters, what you have on hand, or to add a personal touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole is in how approachable the pantry-friendly ingredients are—each one adds creaminess, depth, or comforting flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why these components matter.
- Chicken (2 1/2 cups, shredded or cubed): Pre-cooked chicken adds protein and substance—great for leftover rotisserie or poached breasts.
- Instant White Rice (2 cups): The quick-cooking rice soaks up all those creamy flavors while baking, ensuring it stays light and fluffy.
- Water (2 cups): Hydrates the rice and helps meld everything together for the tender, scoopable texture that makes casseroles so lovable.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Delivers extra-rich chicken flavor and that signature creamy base.
- Cream of Celery Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Adds a subtle vegetal note and more luscious body to the sauce.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Offers earthy undertones, balancing the creaminess with a savory lift.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): A hint of garlic amps up the flavor without overpowering your casserole.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Just enough to make all those flavors pop.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): A little spice for the background, rounding out the creamy elements.
- Butter (½ cup, sliced): Melts beautifully over the top, crisping the surface and adding irresistible richness.
Variations
No two Creamy Chicken & Rice Casseroles need to be identical! Whether you’re accommodating allergies, cleaning out the fridge, or simply feeling adventurous, here are easy ways to make this dish your own.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in 1–2 cups of shredded cheddar or mozzarella for even more gooey deliciousness.
- Veggie Lovers’ Version: Toss in a cup or two of frozen mixed vegetables, peas, or chopped broccoli florets for bursts of color and nutrients.
- Healthier Swap: Use brown instant rice and reduced-sodium soups to lighten things up without missing out on flavor.
- Herb Explosion: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or thyme just before serving for a vibrant pop of taste and color.
How to Make Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up a breeze. Then, preheat your oven to 375°F to make sure it’s sizzling when your casserole goes in for maximum bubbly, golden results.
Step 2: Mix Up the Goodness
Add your shredded or cubed chicken, instant rice, water, all three cans of creamy soup, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper right into the prepared dish. Stir everything together until evenly combined—the rice should be completely coated for even cooking.
Step 3: Add the Buttery Topping
Top the mixture with slices of butter scattered evenly over the surface. As it bakes, the butter melts into the casserole, helping the top turn mouthwatering and golden brown.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil—this steams the rice and keeps everything ultra-creamy. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes. This final stretch helps the top brown and the edges bubble up in the best possible way.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole
- Rice Matters: Instant white rice is a must—regular rice won’t cook through properly or could make the casserole too dense.
- Rotisserie Shortcut: Pick up a store-bought rotisserie chicken for both flavor and convenience—it shreds beautifully and saves tons of time.
- Don’t Overbake: Watch for bubbling edges and a golden top; overbaking can dry out your casserole and the rice.
- Extra Creaminess: For an even silkier texture, add a splash of milk or a dollop of sour cream to the mixture before baking.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions on top for a pretty pop of green and a fresh, herby flavor. A dusting of paprika also adds a lovely color contrast and a gentle warmth, making your casserole look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole loves a crisp, bright salad on the side, or even simple steamed green beans or roasted carrots. Fluffy dinner rolls or a chunk of crusty bread are just right for mopping up all that dreamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for an elegant touch at dinner parties, or scoop hearty portions into large bowls for casual, family-style comfort. Try topping with a handful of crispy fried onions or crushed buttery crackers for a fun twist and extra crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep perfectly in the fridge for 3–4 days—making it a lifesaver for fast lunches and weeknight dinners!
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Chill completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until piping hot, or cover the whole casserole dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Add a splash of broth or milk if you like it extra moist and creamy.
FAQs
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Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
It’s best to stick with instant white rice, as regular rice needs a longer cooking time and different liquid ratios. Using regular rice could leave you with undercooked grains in the casserole, or make it too thick and gummy.
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What kind of chicken works best for this casserole?
Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works perfectly and brings loads of flavor, but any cooked chicken—poached, grilled, or even leftover turkey—does the trick. Just be sure to shred or dice it so every bite blends seamlessly into the creamy casserole.
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Can I make Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then pop it straight into the oven. It’s a fantastic time-saver for busy days or entertaining.
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How do I keep the casserole from drying out when reheating?
If reheating leftovers, cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture, or stir in a splash of milk or broth before warming. This keeps your Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole just as velvety and delicious the second time around.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that feels like home, this Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole is the one to reach for. It’s rich, filling, and always a crowd-pleaser—so gather your loved ones and enjoy some delicious moments together tonight. Happy cooking!
Print
Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Chicken & Rice Casserole that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. This classic dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy soups for a delicious one-pan meal.
Ingredients
Chicken & Rice Casserole:
- 2 1/2 cups chicken, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups instant white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of celery soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup butter, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Combine Ingredients: Add all ingredients other than the butter to the baking dish and stir to combine.
- Add Butter: Place slices of butter around the top of the dish.
- Bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Notes
- This casserole can be customized with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
- For a crispy topping, remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
