Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole

Name: Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup rice, uncooked; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1 can of water or chicken broth; 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Highlighted under: Comfort Food Heritage

I absolutely adore this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole, as it combines comfort food with simplicity. The creamy texture and savory flavors make it an ideal family meal, especially after a long day. I love how the rice absorbs the chicken juices, creating a harmonized dish that's also incredibly easy to make. A few staple ingredients come together to create a satisfying and hearty dinner that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken, adding to its appeal for busy weeknights.

Created by

Sabrina Holt

Last updated on 2026-02-01T15:05:36.178Z

When I first made this casserole, I was amazed at how one dish could pack so much flavor and comfort. The key is using a good quality cream of chicken soup mixed with spices, which infuses everything as it bakes. I remember the smell wafting through the kitchen while it cooked—it felt like home.

One tip I’d suggest is to slightly undercook the rice before combining it with the chicken mixture. This way, it’ll absorb just the right amount of liquid in the oven without becoming mushy. Trust me, your family will love this dish just as much as mine does!

Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy texture that comforts the soul
Savory flavors that bring the family together
A one-dish meal that simplifies cleanup

Understanding the Base Ingredients

The foundation of this casserole is the combination of cooked chicken and uncooked rice. Using leftover chicken not only saves time but enhances the overall flavor of the dish. When the rice cooks, it absorbs all the delicious juices from the chicken, resulting in a moist and savory texture. For those seeking a gluten-free option, substituting regular rice with quinoa can be an excellent alternative, maintaining the integrity of the dish while adding a nutty flavor.

Cream of chicken soup serves as the creamy binder in this recipe, adding richness and depth. If you prefer a homemade touch, you can create a simple sauce by blending chicken broth with a roux of flour and butter, plus cream for extra creaminess. Remember to allow the roux to cook slightly before adding any liquid to prevent a raw flour taste.

Optimizing Cooking Techniques

When mixing the ingredients, be careful not to over-stir the rice. Overmixing can break the grains, leading to a mushy texture. Instead, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined; this helps the rice maintain its integrity during cooking. If you prefer a bit of crunch, consider reserving some vegetables to sprinkle on top during the last 10 minutes of baking, allowing them to retain their vibrant color and texture.

To ensure even cooking, it’s important to use a properly greased baking dish. A 9x13 inch glass dish works well as it allows for uniform heat distribution. Aluminum foil helps trap steam and moisture during the first part of the baking process, but be sure to remove it for the final bake to achieve that glorious golden and bubbly cheese topping.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious casserole:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup rice, uncooked
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can of water or chicken broth
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Make sure to stir well to combine all the flavors!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your casserole:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, water or broth, frozen vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.

Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Serve warm and enjoy the delightful flavors!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider seasoning the chicken prior to shredding, or using a rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can assemble it a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just remember to add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge. For longer storage, consider freezing it after baking; simply let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. It can last in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating leftover casserole is simple. For best results, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave. Just be sure to cover your dish to prevent it from drying out, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot throughout.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving this casserole with a fresh salad or some crusty bread can elevate the meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the creamy richness of the casserole beautifully. You can also consider a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for added nutrition and color on your plate.

Feel free to customize the casserole to suit your family's tastes. If you love spices, adding a teaspoon of paprika or cayenne can bring a delightful warmth. Alternatively, swapping cheddar cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack can change the flavor profile entirely. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or lentils, ensuring to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli or peas.

→ Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and a gluten-free rice variety.

→ How long does the casserole keep for leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.