Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe – Cozy Family Favorite

Comfort comes alive in this hearty chicken and rice casserole that promises warmth with every single bite.

Layers of tender meat and fluffy grains meld together in a creamy embrace.

Fragrant herbs whisper stories of home-cooked goodness across your kitchen.

Classic ingredients dance in perfect harmony, creating a meal that feels like a gentle hug.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet satisfying dish.

Busy families will appreciate how quickly this casserole comes together.

You can’t resist the golden, bubbling surface that beckons from the oven.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every delicious spoonful.

Creative Twists on Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, use vegetable broth, and add mixed vegetables like carrots and peas for a protein-packed alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli, maintaining the creamy sauce and protein elements for a lighter meal.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade cream sauce with cornstarch, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap onion powder for chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty flavor profile.

Pairings That Go Well with Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Pair this creamy chicken and rice casserole with crisp, acidic white wines like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, velvety texture.
• Create a zesty mixed green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's hearty, comforting profile and add fresh crunch.
• Prepare herb-seasoned roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts to provide color, nutrition, and caramelized depth alongside the classic casserole.
• For non-wine drinkers, try sparkling apple cider or light lemonade to refresh the palate and enhance the meal's overall enjoyment.

How to Store Chicken and Rice Casserole Safely

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken and rice are completely cooled before sealing.
• Microwave Reheating: Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a tablespoon of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer casserole to a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly.
• Freezer Storage: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they tend to dry out faster. To prevent this, reduce cooking time by 10-15 minutes and consider adding extra broth to keep the meat moist.

• Is it okay to use brown rice for this recipe?

Brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time. If using brown rice, increase chicken broth by 1/2 cup and extend total baking time to 60-65 minutes, checking moisture levels periodically.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and add an extra 10 minutes to cooking time.

Chicken and Rice Casserole That Feels Like Home

• Breeze Through Preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this chicken and rice casserole a dream for busy home cooks looking for a stress-free meal solution.
• Create Family Comfort: Packed with familiar flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish brings everyone together around the table with its warm, satisfying appeal.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken thighs for breasts, add vegetables, or experiment with different seasoning blends to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking process mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious, home-cooked meal with loved ones.

Ingredients for Comforting Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Chicken Thighs: Tender cuts of meat that provide the primary protein and rich flavor for the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that helps bind the casserole and adds a savory, comforting flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Classic spice blend that adds depth and enhances the chicken's natural flavor.
• Rice: Hearty grain that absorbs the liquid and creates a satisfying base for the casserole.

How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole Easily

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and lightly grease your favorite baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Dress The Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder

Nestle the seasoned chicken into the greased baking dish.

Step 3: Create Creamy Rice Mixture

• Rice
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Chicken broth

Stir everything until smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Pour And Submerge

Gently pour the creamy rice mixture over the chicken, making sure every grain of rice gets cozy and underwater.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and settle before serving up this comforting meal.

Helpful Advice for Chicken and Rice Casserole Success

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for quicker cooking and easier eating.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for varied flavor profiles.
• Add frozen mixed vegetables like peas and carrots to boost nutritional value and create a complete one-dish meal.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream soup or make a homemade sauce with cornstarch and broth.
• Try different herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the casserole's aromatic depth and complexity.

Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken and rice casserole promises pure culinary delight from American home kitchens. Creamy layers blend tender chicken, fluffy rice, and savory seasonings you’ll crave after the first bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless chicken thighs
• 1 cup (240 ml) long-grain white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz or 298 ml) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a rectangular casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with aromatic seasonings, distributing salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder evenly across the surface.
3. Create a creamy mixture by whisking cream of mushroom soup with chicken broth until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Gently spread uncooked rice across the seasoned chicken, ensuring complete coverage on the bottom of the dish.
5. Pour the soup and broth mixture over the rice and chicken, making certain rice is completely submerged in liquid.
6. Securely cover the casserole with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap moisture during initial cooking.
7. Bake for 45 minutes, maintaining consistent oven temperature to allow rice to absorb liquid and chicken to cook thoroughly.
8. Remove foil and return casserole to oven, allowing the top to transform into a golden, slightly crispy surface for an additional 15 minutes.
9. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and liquid to settle before serving.

Notes

• Select bone-in chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness, which prevents the meat from drying out during baking.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning according to personal taste preferences.
• Brown rice can substitute white rice for added nutritional value and a slightly nuttier texture, though cooking time might need slight adjustment.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top after baking to elevate the dish’s visual appeal and add a fresh aromatic dimension.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg