Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight
This creamy chicken and rice casserole is the ultimate comfort food, offering a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering.
The combination of tender chicken, creamy soups, and melted cheddar cheese creates a dish that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to make.
With minimal prep and just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that tastes like it’s been cooking all day, even when it’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
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
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
2 tbsp butter (melted)
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and cream of mushroom soup.
Stir in the chicken broth and milk, then add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 35 minutes.
allowing the rice to cook and the flavors to meld together. After 35 minutes, remove the foil, and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter, stirring until the crumbs are fully coated.
Once the cheese is melted, sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole.
Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set. Serve it with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How to Make
To start, gather all your ingredients and ensure your cooked chicken is either shredded or cubed into bite-sized pieces.
It’s important to use cooked chicken, as this will save time and ensure the casserole doesn’t become too watery.
For this recipe, leftover chicken works wonderfully, making it an excellent way to repurpose dinner from the night before.
Once your ingredients are ready, the first step is to prepare your baking dish. Grease it lightly to make sure the casserole won’t stick as it bakes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring that it’s hot enough to cook the rice while it bakes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, soups, and liquids. Stir everything thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-mixed base.
The next step is important: pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, ensuring that the rice is evenly distributed.
It’s crucial that the rice gets enough liquid to cook properly, so make sure the broth and milk are evenly incorporated.
Once this is done, cover the dish with aluminum foil. The foil helps to trap the steam, allowing the rice to cook fully and the flavors to meld.
After baking for 35 minutes, remove the foil and check to see if the rice has absorbed the liquid and is starting to soften.
You’ll then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, which will create a deliciously creamy layer as it melts in the oven.
Return the casserole to the oven and allow it to bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
While the cheese is melting, make the breadcrumb topping. Simply melt the butter and toss the panko breadcrumbs in it, stirring to coat.
This will create a golden, crispy topping that will add the perfect crunch to the casserole. Once the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has melted.
Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Bake it for an additional 5-7 minutes to get the crispy, golden finish.
After you remove the casserole from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.
Then, serve it up with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables or a simple green salad, for a balanced meal.
Variations
There are several ways to customize this creamy chicken and rice casserole to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups.
with lower-fat versions or use homemade versions made with chicken broth and a bit of flour for thickening.
Additionally, you could replace the cheddar cheese with a lighter cheese, such as mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version.
For those who prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a small can of diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the casserole a kick.
You could also experiment with adding other vegetables, such as peas, carrots, or corn, for extra flavor and color. If you want to increase the nutritional value, try adding spinach or kale to the mix.
To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip the breadcrumbs entirely, substituting them with crushed gluten-free crackers for that same crispy topping.
For a heartier meal, you could also incorporate bacon bits or sausage for a savory twist. If you’re feeding a crowd or want to stretch the meal further.
doubling the recipe and using a larger dish will ensure there’s plenty to go around.
If you prefer a more intense mushroom flavor, you can add sliced fresh mushrooms to the casserole or even use a combination of cream of mushroom and cream of celery soups.
Experimenting with different cheeses, such as gouda or a sharp white cheddar, can also change the flavor profile of the dish.
For a quicker option, try using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or canned chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch.
This reduces prep time and makes the casserole even more convenient for busy nights.
Tips
To make this casserole even easier, you can prepare it ahead of time. Assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover it with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
When you’re ready to bake, simply take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking. This will ensure it cooks evenly.
For a deeper, richer flavor, consider sautéing the chicken in a little bit of butter or oil before mixing it into the casserole.
This adds extra flavor and creates a delicious, crispy texture on the chicken that will enhance the final dish.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes, especially when adding the breadcrumb topping.
It’s important to ensure that the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy, as this will give the dish a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy casserole underneath.
If you find that your casserole looks too dry before the cheese topping goes on, feel free to add a little more chicken broth or milk to moisten it up.
The rice should absorb most of the liquid, but adding extra moisture can help if you’re concerned about dryness.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese to change the flavor of the casserole. A mixture of cheddar and Monterey Jack provides a nice balance of flavor and meltability.
Additionally, shredded cheese tends to melt better than pre-sliced cheese, so it’s always best to use shredded cheese for a creamier texture.
For a more indulgent topping, add extra cheese to the breadcrumb mixture. Combining cheese with the breadcrumbs creates a double layer of cheesy goodness that’s sure to be a hit with cheese lovers.
Lastly, make sure to let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it firm up, making it easier to serve and preventing the dish from falling apart.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken and rice casserole is the perfect go-to dish for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or preparing a meal for friends, this dish is sure to be a hit.
With a creamy base, tender chicken, and crispy topping, it offers a comforting combination of textures and flavors that will satisfy everyone at the table.
Easy to make and adaptable to your preferences, this casserole is destined to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Whether you make it as written or try some of the delicious variations, you can’t go wrong with this creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish.