Easy Homemade Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe That Wows Everyone

Crafting the perfect chicken rice casserole requires imagination and a dash of culinary magic.

Comfort food enthusiasts appreciate hearty meals that spark joy at the dinner table.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions for hungry families.

Layers of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy sauce create a delightful symphony of flavors.

Home cooks can easily master this classic recipe with minimal effort.

Every bite promises warmth and satisfaction, bringing smiles to those around you.

Take a moment to savor this delectable dish that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Chicken and Rice Casserole Must-Have Comfort Dish Features

• Whip Up Comfort: Dive into a hearty, creamy casserole that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, perfect for satisfying hungry families with minimal kitchen effort.
• Simplify Cooking: Combines pantry staples and pre-cooked chicken, making this recipe a breeze for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Packed with rich flavors and creamy textures that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will ask for seconds.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Works wonderfully as a weeknight dinner, potluck contribution, or cozy weekend family gathering centerpiece that requires just one baking dish.

All Ingredients for Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that serves as the primary ingredient in this hearty casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy soups that provide rich, smooth texture and depth of flavor to the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps create a creamy consistency.
• Milk: Contributes to the smooth and moist texture of the dish.
• Water: Helps to thin the mixture and ensure proper cooking of the rice.

• Onion Soup Mix: Delivers a savory, concentrated onion flavor and helps season the entire casserole.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Rice: A staple grain that absorbs the flavors and creates a satisfying base for the casserole.

How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole at Home

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Turn your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and get ready for a delicious comfort food adventure.

Step 2: Create Creamy Mixture

• Cooked chicken
• Onion soup mix
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of chicken soup
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Water
• Uncooked rice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until well blended and super creamy.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and generously grease the bottom and sides with butter or cooking spray.

Pour your chicken and rice mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Initial Baking

Cover the entire pan tightly with aluminum foil.

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

This helps the rice cook perfectly and keeps all the moisture locked in.

Step 5: Finish with a Golden Top

Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven.

Bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbly and slightly crispy.

Step 6: Let the Casserole Rest

After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes.

This helps the dish set and makes serving much easier.

The flavors will also continue to meld during this time.

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting chicken and rice casserole!

Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Chicken Casserole

• Opt for reduced-sodium soup mixes to control salt intake and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Replace chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for varied dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
• Add diced carrots, peas, or broccoli to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful, balanced dish.
• Cover tightly with foil during initial baking to retain moisture and ensure a creamy, tender texture throughout.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and freeze before baking, making meal prep convenient for busy weeknights.

Fun Additions and Variations for Chicken Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Rice Delight: Replace chicken with diced tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth instead of cream soups, and add extra mushrooms for a hearty plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Swap regular rice with quinoa, use gluten-free cream soups, and replace onion soup mix with herbs like thyme and rosemary for added flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Bake: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add extra protein with shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and replace cream soups with Greek yogurt and herbs like oregano and basil for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Comforting Family Feast: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy texture and add fresh nutrients.
• Veggie Companion: Roasted broccoli or steamed green beans make excellent side dishes that complement the casserole's warm, savory flavors.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Serve with warm crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and complete the meal with extra comfort.
• Weekend Gathering Delight: Perfect for potlucks and family dinners, this casserole can be a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that brings everyone together around the table.

Proper Storage for Chicken and Rice Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Preserve flavor and texture by avoiding repeated freezing.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Add splash of milk to restore moisture.

FAQs

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. You can assemble it the night before and bake it when ready to serve.

• Can I use different types of rice?

Absolutely! Long-grain white rice works best, but you can also use brown rice or wild rice blend. Just adjust cooking time slightly for different rice types.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Substitute low-fat cream soups, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add more vegetables like diced carrots or peas to increase nutritional value.

• What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or shredded chicken breasts are perfect. Pre-cooked chicken makes the recipe quick and easy to prepare.

Best Ever Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken rice casserole delivers pure homestyle magic with creamy layers of tender chicken and fluffy rice. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a soul-warming meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2–3 cups cooked and shredded chicken

Rice and Liquid Components:

• 2 cups uncooked minute rice
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup water

Seasoning and Creamy Elements:

• 1 package onion soup mix
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a cooking environment for a hearty casserole.
2. Combine shredded chicken, onion soup mix, creamy soups, milk, sour cream, water, uncooked rice, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
3. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking, then transfer the mixed ingredients into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
4. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, creating a protective layer that traps moisture and promotes even cooking.
5. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb liquid and the flavors to meld together.
6. Carefully remove the foil, exposing the casserole’s surface to direct heat, which will create a golden, slightly crispy top.
7. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and light browning around the edges.
8. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing the contents to settle and making serving easier.

Notes

• Swap cream soups for homemade versions to reduce sodium and control ingredients for a healthier, fresher taste.
• Add extra vegetables like diced carrots, peas, or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more colorful, vibrant dish.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken to save time and add deeper flavor complexity to the casserole.
• For gluten-free option, replace onion soup mix with gluten-free seasoning blend and use cornstarch instead of traditional thickeners.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 405 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg