Velvety Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite

Comfort food finds its perfect match in this mouthwatering creamy chicken rice casserole that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Packed with tender chicken and fluffy rice, the dish melts together with rich, velvety sauce that hugs every single bite.

Home cooks adore how easily this meal comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Each forkful delivers a hearty blend of savory ingredients that dance across your palate.

The golden, crispy top adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.

Layers of seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a dreamy sauce create a dinner that feels like a warm embrace.

Let’s find out this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch as smiles spread around the dinner table.

Kitchen Tools for Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole

• Large bowl: Perfect for mixing ingredients thoroughly and creating the creamy base.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for assembling and baking the casserole evenly.
• Aluminum foil: Helps retain moisture during initial baking stage.
• Measuring cups: Crucial for accurately portioning chicken broth, rice, and other ingredients.
• Cheese grater: Needed to prepare fresh grated cheddar cheese for topping.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Useful for cubing chicken into consistent pieces.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole

• Oven Preparation Kitchen Warmup

Get your kitchen ready by warming the oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab a large baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

• Liquid Magic

Whisk together rich chicken broth, creamy soup, and melted butter until the mixture looks smooth and inviting. This creates the heart of your delicious casserole.

• Ingredient Harmony

Gently fold uncooked rice and tender chicken pieces into the liquid base. Sprinkle in some seasonings to add depth and excitement to the flavor profile. Make sure everything is well combined.

• Baking Transformation

Pour the mixture into your prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil, trapping all those wonderful flavors inside during cooking.

• Cheese Crown

After the initial baking period, unveil your creation and crown it with a blanket of shredded cheese. Return to the oven and let the cheese melt into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

• Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to settle for a few moments after baking. This lets the flavors mingle and makes serving easier. Pair with a crisp side salad for a complete meal that feels like a warm hug.

Tips to Enrich Chicken Rice Casserole Flavor

• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp provolone, creamy monterey jack, or smoky gouda to add unique flavor dimensions to your casserole.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and add an extra 10-15 minutes to cooking time.
• Swap chicken with rotisserie meat, diced turkey, or even canned tuna for a quick protein alternative that keeps the dish exciting and versatile.
• Enhance nutritional value by mixing in chopped bell peppers, frozen peas, diced carrots, or spinach during the initial mixing stage for added color and nutrients.
• Kick the flavor profile by adding a dash of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or dried herbs like thyme and rosemary to create a more complex and exciting taste experience.

Serving Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole Warm

• Cozy Family Feast: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
• Fresh Veggie Companions: Steam some bright broccoli florets or roasted asparagus spears on the side to add color, nutrition, and a delightful crunch that complements the creamy casserole.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Serve warm, buttery dinner rolls or crusty french bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide an extra layer of comfort to this classic home-style dish.
• Zesty Garnish Delight: Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top just before serving to add a pop of freshness and make the casserole look even more appetizing.

Storing Chicken Rice Casserole the Right Way

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover casserole in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated portions stay delicious for 3-4 days, maintaining their creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Freezing Magic: Portion cooled casserole into individual servings using freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months, ensuring a quick meal solution for busy weeknights. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Perfection: Revive cold casserole by adding 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Warm in 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Stir midway to distribute warmth evenly.
• Portion Control Pro: Divide casserole into meal-prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Pack with fresh vegetables or side salad to boost nutritional value. Label containers with date to track freshness and consumption.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole Ingredient List

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides substantial texture and rich flavor, choose fresh cuts with minimal visible fat for best results.
• White Rice: Fluffy base that absorbs flavors beautifully, select long-grain variety for optimal texture and even cooking.

• Chicken Broth: Liquid foundation that infuses deep savory notes and ensures tender chicken and rice, use low-sodium version for better control of salt levels.
• Cream of Celery Soup: Creamy binding agent that adds richness and subtle vegetable undertones, opt for quality brand with minimal preservatives.
• Butter: Adds luxurious smoothness and helps create golden, crispy edges, select unsalted butter for precise seasoning.

• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated aromatic warmth without raw garlic intensity, choose fresh, fragrant batch for maximum flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor boosters that balance and elevate entire dish, use freshly ground black pepper for most vibrant taste.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty, tangy topping that creates irresistible golden crust, select sharp variety for more pronounced cheese character.

Hearty Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Home-style Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole combines comforting ingredients for a satisfying meal. Hearty layers of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and rich sauce create a classic dinner favorite you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
• 2 cups uncooked white rice
• 3 cups (710 mL) chicken broth
• 21 oz (595 g) cream of celery soup (2 cans, 10.5 oz each)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup (60 mL) butter, melted
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation Setup: Warm the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray, ensuring smooth food release and easy serving.
2. Flavor Foundation: Whisk chicken broth, cream of celery soup, and melted butter into a harmonious liquid base, creating a rich and creamy mixture that will infuse the entire casserole with deep, comforting flavors.
3. Ingredient Integration: Gently incorporate uncooked white rice and cubed cooked chicken into the liquid mixture, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to elevate the overall taste profile and ensure every bite is well-seasoned.
4. Baking Process: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly and covering tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 70 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to become tender and succulent.
5. Cheesy Finale: Remove the foil, shower the casserole with grated cheddar cheese, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly crust that adds a luxurious finishing touch.
6. Serving Presentation: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to set, then serve warm alongside a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Rice Absorption Tip: Use long-grain white rice for best texture and prevent mushy consistency during baking.
• Moisture Management: Cover tightly with foil to lock in steam, ensuring rice cooks evenly and remains tender without drying out.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese in final 10 minutes to achieve perfect golden-brown top without overcooking or burning.
• Temperature Safety Check: Confirm chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe, fully cooked protein throughout casserole.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg