Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight – A Comforting One-Dish Meal
Introduction: A Classic Casserole That Never Disappoints
When life gets busy or the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a hearty Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole to warm the soul and fill your kitchen with comfort. Made with simple pantry staples and minimal prep, this oven-baked favorite combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, creamy soups, and gooey cheese for a meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or looking for a dinner your whole family will request again and again, this dish delivers every time.
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Why You’ll Love This Casserole
One-dish meal – fewer dishes, more convenience
Easy prep – no need to pre-cook rice
Customizable – mix in your favorite veggies or spices
Perfect for potlucks and freezer meals
Family-friendly – picky eaters approved!
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Ingredients
Base Mixture:
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup milk
Seasoning & Cheese:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Crunchy Topping:
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter (melted)
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Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
Uncooked rice
Cream of chicken soup
Cream of mushroom soup
Chicken broth
Milk
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and pepper
Stir until smooth.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Cheese
Fold in the shredded chicken and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Assemble
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
Sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until rice is tender and top is golden brown.
Step 7: Serve
Let cool slightly before serving.
Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
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Flavor Variations
1. Add Veggies
Stir in 1–2 cups of frozen peas, carrots, broccoli, or green beans.
2. Spicy Southwest Twist
Add chopped green chiles, a dash of cumin, and use pepper jack cheese.
3. Italian-Inspired
Substitute cream of mushroom for cream of celery, and add Italian seasoning and sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Stir in 1/4 cup buffalo sauce and use mozzarella cheese. Serve with ranch dressing.
5. Mushroom Lovers’ Version
Add sautéed mushrooms, fresh thyme, and Swiss or gruyère cheese.
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Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Make-Ahead:
Prepare the casserole up to the baking step.
Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Add 10 minutes to baking time if chilled.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Freezing:
Freeze unbaked casserole (without topping) for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
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Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving – Based on 8 Servings)
Calories: 390
Protein: 28g
Fat: 19g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
> Nutrition will vary depending on soup brands and additional mix-ins.
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FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut and adds flavor.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream soups and swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko.
Can I substitute the soups?
Yes, you can use all cream of chicken or try cream of celery or cream of broccoli for variation.
What kind of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is best. Brown rice takes longer to cook.
How do I make it cheesier?
Add an extra 1/2 cup cheese into the mixture and a layer of cheese on top.
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Conclusion: Creamy, Cheesy, Crowd-Pleasing Comfort
There’s a reason Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole has stood the test of time—it’s warm, reliable, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, dropping it off for a new parent, or prepping meals ahead of a busy week, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Classic comfort never goes out of style.
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