Irresistible Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe for Families
Crafting a comforting chicken and rice casserole brings pure magic to your dinner table.
Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic comfort dish.
Layers of tender chicken mingle with perfectly cooked rice and rich, velvety sauce.
Subtle herbs and creamy textures create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.
Home cooks adore how simple yet satisfying this recipe becomes with minimal effort.
Every forkful promises warmth and nourishment that connects you to cherished mealtime memories.
Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible culinary embrace that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight FAQs
Yes, this chicken and rice casserole can be prepared ahead of time. You can assemble the entire dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.
Absolutely! While cheddar works wonderfully, you can substitute with monterey jack, colby, or a blend of cheeses. Each will bring a unique flavor profile to the casserole.
Consider adding frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli directly into the creamy mixture. This boosts the nutritional value and adds extra color and texture to the casserole.
Why Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight Lives Up To Its Name
What Goes Into Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight
For the Main Ingredients:For the Creamy Base:For the Topping and Seasoning:How To Cook Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight
Step 1: Prepare Cooking Space
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it generously with cooking spray or butter. Turn the oven to 375°F to get it nice and toasty.
Step 2: Cook Rice
Follow the rice package instructions to create perfectly fluffy grains. Aim for slightly undercooked rice to prevent turning mushy during baking.
Step 3: Roast Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until chicken is completely cooked through and juices run clear.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
Use two forks to pull apart the roasted chicken into delightful bite-sized pieces. Ensure the meat is tender and evenly shredded.
Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce
Whisk together the following ingredients in a large mixing bowl:Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and silky.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Gently fold the shredded chicken and cooked rice into the creamy sauce. Make sure every single piece gets a luxurious coating.
Step 7: Fill Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
Step 8: Add Cheese Layer
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, creating a mouthwatering golden blanket.
Step 9: Create Crispy Topping
Mix melted butter with breadcrumbs. Scatter this mixture evenly across the casserole for an irresistible crispy finish.
Step 10: Bake Casserole
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for bubbling edges and a golden, crisp top.
Step 11: Rest and Set
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the dish set and makes cutting easier.
Step 12: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
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Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 70-75 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Comfort meets culinary magic in this luscious chicken & rice casserole delight, where tender chicken nestles among fluffy rice and rich, velvety sauce. Home cooks will savor each comforting spoonful of this classic one-dish wonder that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
Dairy and Grains:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the long-grain rice according to package instructions, ensuring it’s fluffy and slightly undercooked to prevent mushiness during baking.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, then roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked and juices run clear.
- Shred the roasted chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks, creating tender meat for the casserole.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, sour cream, milk, minced garlic, and diced onions until smooth and well-combined.
- Fold the shredded chicken and cooked rice into the creamy mixture, ensuring every grain is generously coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, creating a rich and golden cheese layer.
- Combine melted butter with breadcrumbs and scatter the mixture evenly across the casserole for a crispy, golden-brown topping.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow the casserole to set.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Always use a high-quality, low-sodium cream of chicken soup to control salt content and enhance overall flavor depth.
- Opt for rotisserie chicken as a time-saving alternative to roasting fresh chicken breasts, which adds extra flavor complexity.
- Experiment with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, reducing calories while maintaining creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Olivia Brooks
Contributing Writer
Expertise
Education
Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique
Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.