Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight Recipe

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

  • Is this casserole good for meal prep?

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.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

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.

  • How can I make this dish more nutritious?

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

  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a satisfying meal that brings everyone together with rich, creamy textures and hearty chicken flavors perfect for family dinners.
  • Simple Ingredient Mastery: Uses basic pantry staples and straightforward cooking techniques that make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable for various occasions like potlucks, weeknight dinners, or meal prep, providing a delicious one-dish wonder that saves time and effort.
  • Layer of Deliciousness: Combines multiple textures with crispy breadcrumb topping, melted cheese, and tender chicken creating a mouthwatering experience in every single bite.

What Goes Into Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breasts: The protein-packed centerpiece of the casserole that provides tender, juicy meat.
  • Long-Grain Rice: A fluffy base that absorbs the creamy sauce and adds substantial texture to the dish.
For the Creamy Base:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup, Heavy Cream, Sour Cream, Milk: These dairy ingredients create a rich, smooth, and velvety sauce that binds the casserole together.
  • Garlic, Onions: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and savory flavor to the creamy mixture.
For the Topping and Seasoning:
  • Cheddar Cheese: A melty, sharp cheese that creates a golden and flavorful crust on top of the casserole.
  • Breadcrumbs, Butter: These ingredients form a crispy, golden-brown topping that adds crunch and richness.
  • Salt, Pepper, Dried Thyme: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.
  • Parsley: A fresh herb that provides a bright garnish and adds a pop of color to the finished dish.

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:
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Heavy cream
  • Sour cream
  • Milk
  • Minced garlic
  • Diced onions

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!

Helpful Tips For Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight

  • Perfectly Prep Rice: Cook rice slightly undercooked to maintain ideal texture and prevent mushiness when baking in the casserole.
  • Chicken Shredding Technique: Use two forks to pull apart roasted chicken, creating tender, bite-sized pieces that blend seamlessly with creamy sauce.
  • Smooth Sauce Mixing: Whisk cream-based ingredients thoroughly to eliminate lumps and ensure a silky, consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Crispy Topping Trick: Combine melted butter with breadcrumbs for a golden, crunchy layer that adds delightful texture and visual appeal to the casserole.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making mealtime stress-free.

Creative Swaps For Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight

  • Spicy Southwestern Chicken Casserole: Replace thyme with cumin and chili powder, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and add diced green chiles and corn to the mixture for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
  • Gluten-Free Herb Chicken Bake: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, almond flour breadcrumbs, and substitute rice with quinoa for a celiac-friendly alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
  • Mediterranean Chicken Rice Casserole: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano, replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt, and top with kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-style transformation.

Best Sides With Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight

  • Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to cut through the casserole's rich, creamy texture and complement the chicken's savory profile.
  • Serve Fresh Green Salad: Create a light arugula or mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
  • Match Buttery Chardonnay: Choose an oaked chardonnay with subtle buttery notes that harmonize beautifully with the casserole's creamy sauce and cheese topping.
  • Select Crisp Pilsner Beer: Opt for a light, crisp pilsner that cleanses the palate between bites and offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, comforting casserole.

How To Store Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight

  • Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Separate into individual portions for easier reheating.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, add a splash of milk to maintain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring between intervals.
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Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight Recipe

Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 32 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the long-grain rice according to package instructions, ensuring it’s fluffy and slightly undercooked to prevent mushiness during baking.
  3. 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.
  4. Shred the roasted chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks, creating tender meat for the casserole.
  5. 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.
  6. Fold the shredded chicken and cooked rice into the creamy mixture, ensuring every grain is generously coated with the sauce.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, creating a rich and golden cheese layer.
  9. Combine melted butter with breadcrumbs and scatter the mixture evenly across the casserole for a crispy, golden-brown topping.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden and crisp.
  11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow the casserole to set.
  12. 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

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

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.

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