Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight is the kind of dish that brings warmth and reassurance with every bite. It is hearty, satisfying, and wonderfully familiar, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners. What I enjoy most about this recipe is its balance of simplicity and depth of flavor. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich, creamy sauce come together in a single dish that feels both comforting and indulgent. I tested this casserole with both freshly cooked rice and leftover rice, and each version turned out beautifully, making it a practical option for reducing food waste. The gentle seasoning keeps it family-friendly, while the creamy texture makes it irresistible. It is also a fantastic make-ahead meal, which means less stress when time is short. Whether you are cooking for a crowd or preparing meals for the week, this casserole delivers consistent, reliable results every time.
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Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight – A Comfort Food Classic
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A comforting and hearty Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, savory cream sauce baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk until well combined.
- Stir in the cooked chicken, onion, frozen vegetables, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until rice is tender and the top is lightly golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Brown rice can be used but will require extra liquid and baking time.
- Add mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breast
Boneless, skinless chicken breast provides lean protein and absorbs the flavors of the sauce exceptionally well. It becomes tender as it bakes, ensuring every bite is juicy.
Long-grain white rice
Long-grain rice cooks evenly and holds its shape, giving the casserole structure without becoming mushy. Cooked rice works best for consistent texture.
Cream of chicken soup
This ingredient forms the creamy backbone of the casserole. It adds richness and a savory depth that ties all components together.
Chicken broth
Chicken broth enhances flavor and helps loosen the sauce so it coats the rice evenly throughout the dish.
Milk
Milk adds extra creaminess and softens the overall flavor, preventing the casserole from becoming too heavy.
Onion
Finely chopped onion brings subtle sweetness and aromatic depth that balances the richness of the sauce.
Garlic
Garlic adds warmth and savory complexity, complementing both the chicken and the creamy elements.
Butter
Butter contributes richness and helps sauté the onion and garlic, building flavor from the very first step.
Salt
Salt ensures all ingredients are properly seasoned and prevents the dish from tasting flat.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds mild heat and rounds out the savory notes.
Paprika
Paprika provides gentle warmth and a touch of color without overpowering the dish.
Cheddar cheese
Shredded cheddar melts into the casserole, adding sharpness and an appealing golden finish.
Fresh parsley
Parsley adds freshness and a light herbal note that brightens the finished dish.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 180°C and lightly grease a casserole dish. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in the diced chicken and cook until lightly browned on the outside.
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until smooth. Add the cooked rice and chicken mixture, stirring gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is lightly golden. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people.
Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes.
Baking time is about 40 minutes.
Total time required is roughly 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if the casserole seems dry.
Variations and Customizations
This casserole is extremely adaptable and welcomes creativity. For added vegetables, stir in peas, carrots, or broccoli florets before baking. I tried adding mushrooms once, and they added a lovely earthy note that paired beautifully with the creamy sauce. You can also swap the chicken breast for rotisserie chicken to save time.
If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute part of the milk with cream. For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese. Brown rice can replace white rice for a heartier texture, though it will have a slightly firmer bite.
Seasoning can also be adjusted easily. A pinch of thyme or dried oregano adds subtle herbal notes, while a dash of cayenne introduces gentle heat. For a crunchy topping, sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking. Each variation allows you to tailor the dish to your preferences without losing its comforting essence.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein (g) | 28 |
| Carbs (g) | 32 |
| Fat (g) | 20 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 9 |
| Fiber (g) | 2 |
| Sugar (g) | 4 |
| Sodium (mg) | 780 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Cook rice separately
Using pre-cooked rice ensures consistent texture.
Do not overbake
Overbaking can dry out the casserole.
Taste before baking
Adjust seasoning while mixing for best results.
Let it rest
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Use quality cheese
Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to one day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze before baking for up to 2 months.
What rice works best?
Long-grain white rice gives the best texture.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, cooked or rotisserie chicken works very well.
Is this casserole spicy?
No, it is mild, but spice can be added if desired.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, vegetables can be mixed in before baking.
How do I keep it creamy?
Do not overbake and add a splash of milk when reheating.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, mozzarella or Colby Jack are good alternatives.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cream soup to make it gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger casserole dish.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight is a dependable, comforting recipe that never fails to satisfy. Its creamy texture, tender chicken, and adaptable nature make it a perfect addition to any home cook’s recipe collection. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, it remains just as delicious.
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