Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole

Name: Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup long-grain rice; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Traditional Family Comfort

I absolutely love making this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole because it’s the ultimate comfort food. When I first discovered this recipe, I was looking for something hearty and satisfying to warm up those chilly evenings. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice creates a dish that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to prepare. Each bite is filled with flavors that remind me of home, and it’s a perfect way to bring family together around the dinner table.

Created by

Marina Lowe

Last updated on 2026-02-01T19:33:37.078Z

This casserole became a favorite in my household after I made it for the first time on a particularly busy day. I wanted something that would be quick to assemble but also warm and comforting. The trick is to use leftover chicken, which not only saves time but also infuses the dish with deeper flavors.

To elevate the taste, I like to toss in some sautéed vegetables, which adds both nutrition and a pop of color. By baking it until bubbly, you get that perfect melding of textures that makes every forkful delightful.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
A creamy sauce that envelops every piece of chicken and rice
Convenient one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights
Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and seasonings

Understanding the Ingredients

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole relies on a harmonious blend of ingredients that work together to create a comforting dish. The use of long-grain rice is crucial, as it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the creamy sauce beautifully. When selecting your chicken, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, providing convenient, already-cooked, tender meat. Alternatively, if you're using raw chicken, ensure it's cooked thoroughly before adding it to the casserole to avoid food safety issues.

The cream of chicken soup is the backbone of the sauce, contributing a rich texture and savory flavor. If you're looking for a lower-sodium option, consider purchasing low-sodium cream of chicken soup or making your own at home. The addition of chicken broth not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the rice moist during baking. For an extra touch of flavor, you might experiment with homemade stock if time permits.

Perfecting the Baking Process

Baking this casserole covered with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes helps the rice to cook through evenly and prevents the top from browning too quickly. Keep an eye on it; if you notice that the casserole seems too dry during this covered stage, add a few extra tablespoons of chicken broth to keep the rice moist. After removing the foil, the dish will bake uncovered to create a golden and bubbly cheese topping, which is a key hallmark of a well-made casserole.

Timing is essential, especially when adding the cheese. Once you've topped the casserole with the shredded cheddar, return it to the oven and watch closely as it melts. Ideally, look for a bubbly, lightly golden top. This not only gives you that desirable texture but also ensures the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall eating experience.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup long-grain rice
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Mixing these ingredients together makes for a quick and satisfying dish.

Instructions

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.

Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Add Cheese

Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

This casserole is fantastic with a side salad or garlic bread.

Pro Tips

For a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or swapping in your favorite cheese for extra flavor.

Variations to Try

One of the great things about this casserole is how easily it can be customized to suit your tastes. Swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for seasonal fresh vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a different flavor profile. You could also experiment with different cheeses; Gruyère or mozzarella could add a unique twist while keeping the dish creamy.

For a bit of a kick, try adding some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture. This not only elevates the flavor profile but adds an exciting layer of spicy depth to the casserole. If you’re looking to keep it lighter, consider substituting the cream of chicken soup with a homemade version made from low-fat ingredients like Greek yogurt.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out. If you're planning to freeze it, assemble the casserole without baking, wrap it well, and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

When it comes to reheating leftovers, the best method is to place individual portions in the microwave, covered, for about two minutes. Alternatively, for larger portions, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—usually about 15-20 minutes. Just be sure to cover it with foil to keep the moisture in, ensuring that the rice remains fluffy and the sauce creamy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.

→ How can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add any of your favorites, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or peas!

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container.