Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, creamy casserole straight out of the oven. If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to make, family-friendly, and packed with flavor, this Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole is the answer. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even holiday gatherings, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole, from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to tips, variations, and FAQs. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this casserole is a lifesaver on busy nights.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, spices, or proteins to make it your own.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole

Here’s a simple list of ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe. For your convenience, the full list is available in the printable recipe card below.

• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• Instant rice
• Cream of chicken soup
• Milk (whole or 2%)
• Onion powder
• Fresh minced garlic
• Salt & pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Mixed vegetables (thawed)
• Colby Jack cheese
• Parsley

How To Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

This is just an overview; the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card toward the bottom of this post.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Rice

• Rinse 1 ½ cups of rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
• Cook according to package instructions or use a rice cooker for perfect results. Discover tips for cooking perfect rice every time.

Prepare the Chicken

• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or boil and shred your own chicken breasts.

Make the Creamy Sauce

• In a large bowl, mix 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 ½ cups of milk, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Casserole

• In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and creamy sauce.
• Top with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake to Perfection

• Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole

• Avoid Dry Rice: Use the right rice-to-liquid ratio and don’t overcook the rice before baking.
• Cheese Matters: Use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for extra creaminess.
• Add Veggies: Stir in frozen peas, broccoli, or carrots for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole: Add 1 cup of steamed broccoli florets.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Mix in diced jalapeños, black beans, and corn.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Rice Casserole: Sauté mushrooms and add them to the sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.

Serving Suggestions

Nutritional Information and Dietary Adjustments

• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving.
• Healthier Options: Use low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of cream, or whole-grain rice.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free version.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole)

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it takes longer to cook. Adjust the baking time accordingly and ensure the rice is fully cooked before assembling the casserole.

How can I make this casserole creamier?

For an extra creamy texture, add an extra ½ cup of milk or stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before baking.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely! Frozen vegetables like peas, broccoli, or carrots can be added directly to the casserole without thawing. They’ll cook perfectly during baking.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and chicken broth.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

To prevent dryness, cover the casserole with foil while baking and add a bit more liquid (milk or broth) if needed. You can also ensure the rice is fully cooked before assembling.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a cozy family gathering, this dish is sure to impress. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and fluffy rice, it’s a recipe that everyone will love.

Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own. And if you’re looking for a make-ahead meal, this casserole is perfect for meal prep or freezing.

Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turns out! Share your creations on social media and tag us—we’d love to see your delicious variations. Enjoy!

Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole

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• Author: Eliza Nooman
• Total Time: 50 mins

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Description

Make this easy Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole for a comforting, family-friendly meal! Packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a cheesy sauce, this recipe is perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 cups minute rice, uncooked
• 10 oz cream of chicken soup
• 2 ½ cups milk , (2% or whole preferred)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• 3 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 1Tablespoonfresh chopped parsley

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Shred the rotisserie chicken and set aside. Thaw the mixed vegetables in a colander or strainer and run it under warm water until the veggies are no longer frozen.
• In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, thawed mixed vegetables, minute rice, cream of chicken soup, milk, and all spices.
• Add in 1½ cups of shredded cheese and fold in gently.
• Transfer to greased 9×13″ baking dish and spread smooth. Sprinkle on remaining 1½ cups of cheese. (see notes)
• Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until rice is tender. Remove and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

• If you would like the casserole to have a more melty cheese topping, refrain from adding the cheese on top until the last 5 to 8 minutes of baking time.

• Using a porcelain baking dish may require longer baking times. Just check rice for doneness.

• Prep Time: 10 Mins
• Cook Time: 40minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8 servings
• Calories: 256 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 309mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 46mg

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole