Name: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; Salt and black pepper to taste

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Hey y’all! If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying dinner that’s loaded with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and velvety cream sauce, this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is about to become your new favorite. This crowd-pleasing classic is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or potlucks—plus, it’s a complete meal all in one dish. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

One-pan simplicity for easy prep and cleanup—perfect for busy families.
Rich, creamy texture with perfectly cooked rice and juicy chicken in every bite.

Customizable with your favorite veggies and cheeses for endless variety.
Hearty and filling, making it a wholesome main dish for any occasion.
Great for meal prep—leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 small onion, finely diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping)

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion in olive oil until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the sautéed onions, uncooked rice, shredded chicken, peas and carrots, and half the shredded cheese.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Topping (Optional)

If desired, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole for a golden, crispy topping.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the topping is golden brown. Total bake time: 55-60 minutes.

Notes for the Best Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

You can use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience.
Swap out frozen peas and carrots for any mixed veggies you love.

For a homemade alternative to canned soup, check out this recipe for cream of chicken soup.

Variations: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Your Way

Mexican Style: Add a can of diced green chiles, substitute pepper jack cheese, and use black beans for a Tex-Mex twist.
Broccoli Cheddar: Replace peas and carrots with 2 cups chopped broccoli and use extra cheddar cheese.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cream soups and breadcrumbs (or omit topping altogether).

Required Equipment for Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

9x13-inch casserole dish
Large mixing bowl

Medium skillet
Foil
Measuring cups and spoons

How to Store Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Let your casserole cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly.

Serving & Pairings for Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Pair with roasted vegetables or garlic green beans for extra color and flavor.

Try with a glass of chilled Chardonnay for a comforting dinner.

Pro Tips for Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest, creamiest melt.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving for perfect slices.

For more info on food safety and reheating casseroles, visit FoodSafety.gov.

FAQ: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Can I make Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole ahead of time?: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add about 10 extra minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?: Yes, but increase the broth by ¼ cup and extend the covered bake time to 55 minutes, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Add a splash of broth if needed to keep it creamy. For more reheating tips, check out this guide.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Serves: 6-8

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Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole