Cozy Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe for Comfort Nights

Whipping up a hearty chicken & rice casserole can be pure comfort on a chilly evening.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen drift through my mind with every spoonful of this classic dish.

Warmth and nostalgia blend seamlessly in this simple yet satisfying meal that feeds hungry souls.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among fluffy rice grains, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Creamy sauce binds everything together, promising a delightful experience in each bite.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this unforgettable recipe.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this delectable casserole that speaks directly to your culinary heart.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to partially cook it or increase the baking time by about 20-25 minutes to ensure it’s tender.

• Is it okay to substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup work great as alternatives with similar creamy consistency.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• What if I don't have fresh chicken?

Rotisserie chicken or canned chicken are excellent quick substitutes that work perfectly in this recipe.

Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe That Feeds The Whole Family

• Minimal Prep Magic: Combine ingredients in one bowl, requiring minimal chopping and cooking skills, making it ideal for beginner cooks or tired parents.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Uses affordable ingredients like chicken, rice, and frozen vegetables, creating a hearty meal that stretches your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.
• One-Dish Wonder: Eliminates multiple pots and pans, simplifying cleanup and saving precious time after a long day of work or family activities.

Chicken and Rice Casserole Prep List

• Chicken, Cheddar Cheese: Provides hearty protein, choose boneless and skinless chicken for easy shredding. Opt for a sharp cheddar for extra flavor complexity.

• Onion, Garlic, Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Adds depth and nutrition, selecting fresh onions and garlic will enhance overall taste. Mixed vegetables provide color and balanced nutrients.

• Chicken Broth, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates creamy texture and rich flavor, use low-sodium broth for better control of salt content. Choose a quality condensed soup for best results.

• Thyme, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Brings warmth and traditional casserole flavor, fresh thyme is preferable but dried works well. Use freshly ground black pepper for more intense taste.

• Rice, Olive Oil, Aluminum Foil, Fresh Parsley: Uncooked rice absorbs liquid during baking, olive oil helps with sautéing. Parsley adds fresh garnish and visual appeal.

Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe Process

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a warm 375°F.

This toasty temperature will transform your ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame.

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften until they become sweet and translucent.

Step 3: Mix Magic Ingredients

• Tender shredded chicken
• Uncooked rice
• Rich chicken broth
• Creamy mushroom soup
• Colorful frozen mixed vegetables
• Fragrant thyme
• Smoky paprika
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of pepper

Stir everything together until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Build Your Casserole

Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Pour in the mixture, spreading it evenly.

Blanket the top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45 minutes.

Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Let the casserole rest for a few moments.

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top.

Dig in and enjoy your comforting creation!

Casserole Tricks For Chicken And Rice Comfort

• Swap frozen mixed vegetables with seasonal fresh veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for added nutrition and color.
• Experiment with different cheeses like monterey jack, gouda, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles and match personal preferences.
• Rinse uncooked rice before adding to remove excess starch, ensuring a fluffy and separated texture in the final casserole.
• Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.
• Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that chicken broth is certified gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole: Storage Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated completely through.

What Goes With Chicken Casserole

• Crisp White Wine Complement: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the casserole's rich, creamy texture with its bright, acidic notes.
• Fresh Garden Salad Partner: Toss together a light mixed green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole.
• Roasted Vegetable Sidekick: Prepare roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to add a caramelized, slightly crisp element that complements the dish's soft, creamy consistency.
• Crusty Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm, crusty French bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying crunch to the meal.

Chicken & Rice Casserole in Creamy Styles

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce using cornstarch, milk, and mushrooms. Use gluten-free rice and verify all ingredient labels.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates. Keep protein and vegetable contents similar for nutritional balance.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cheddar cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy. Use coconut milk instead of regular dairy products for creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and maintain similar seasoning profile for rich flavor.

Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken & rice casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending tender chicken, fluffy rice, and rich, velvety sauce in one wholesome dish. Warm, satisfying flavors promise to comfort and nourish you with each delightful, home-cooked bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 0.5 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Dairy and Sauce:

• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by sautéing finely chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until they become soft and translucent, releasing their fragrant essence.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend tender shredded chicken, uncooked rice grains, rich chicken broth, creamy mushroom soup, vibrant frozen mixed vegetables, and a harmonious blend of thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Expertly transfer the integrated mixture into a generously greased rectangular baking vessel, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
4. Generously crown the casserole with a lavish layer of shredded cheddar cheese, creating a golden, melty topping.
5. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and slide into a preheated oven calibrated to 375°F (190°C), allowing the ingredients to meld and cook for approximately 45 minutes.
6. Remove the protective foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, watching as the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown crust.
7. After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest briefly, enabling the flavors to settle and the texture to stabilize.
8. For an elegant finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving, adding a pop of color and fresh herbaceous note.

Notes

• Quickly toast rice in skillet before adding liquids to enhance nutty flavor and prevent mushiness.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with homemade white sauce for lower sodium and preservative-free option.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken to save time and add extra depth of flavor.
• For gluten-free version, replace cream of mushroom soup with gluten-free alternative and use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg