If you are craving a comforting, soul-warming meal that practically cooks itself, this Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, juicy chicken mingling with perfectly cooked rice, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce that’s gently baked to bubbly perfection. It’s the kind of dish that hits all the right notes—hearty, flavorful, and unbelievably satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole offers a perfect balance of texture and taste that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that signature creamy texture and balanced flavor profile. From the tender chicken breast to the comforting soup base, everything works together to make this dish special.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 cups, cubed): Provides lean protein and tender chunks that soak up the creamy sauce.
- Long-grain white rice (2 cups, uncooked): Cooks beautifully in the sauce, making the dish hearty but light.
- Chicken broth (3 cups): Adds depth and savory richness, keeping the rice flavorful and moist.
- Cream of celery soup (2 cans, 10.5 oz each): The secret to that velvety creaminess that binds everything together.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Brings subtle aromatic warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the flavors.
- Shredded mild cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melted on top for a golden, cheesy finish that’s simply irresistible.
How to Make Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple prep ensures your casserole bakes evenly and releases easily when it’s done.
Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Mixture
In a large bowl, blend the chicken broth, cream of celery soup, and melted butter until smooth. This mixture will serve as the luscious sauce that cooks the rice and keeps the chicken moist. Whisking thoroughly ensures every bite is creamy and rich.
Step 3: Combine Chicken, Rice, and Seasonings
Stir in the uncooked rice, cubed chicken, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the soup mixture. Mixing everything together at this stage guarantees even cooking and flavor distribution, so each spoonful bursts with creamy goodness and perfectly seasoned chicken.
Step 4: Assemble and Cover
Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Then, cover the casserole tightly with foil to trap steam and heat, helping the rice cook through and the chicken remain tender during the long baking process.
Step 5: Bake Until Tender
Bake for 70 minutes, giving the rice plenty of time to soak up the creamy sauce and cook through. The slow baking also allows the chicken to become juicy and tender. The foil cover is key here to keep everything moist and delicious.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Uncover the dish and sprinkle the shredded mild cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return the casserole to the oven for about 10 more minutes, letting the cheese melt into a bubbly, golden crust that adds a delightful textural contrast.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking. This brief cooling period helps the layers settle and makes it easier to serve generous, satisfying portions of this dreamy creamy chicken and rice feast.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions across the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. These simple garnishes brighten the rich, creamy casserole and add a hint of herbaceous freshness that complements the savory notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette or some steamed seasonal veggies, like broccoli or green beans. These sides offer a fresh contrast in texture and keep your meal balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole in individual ramekins for an elegant touch or layer it into a larger baking dish garnished with toasted breadcrumbs for extra crunch. You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon to customize the flavor and presentation to your liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover casserole to airtight containers and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and flavorful for 3 to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for quick weeknight meals.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for an easy, comforting dinner anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, or warm individual servings in the microwave, stirring halfway through. Adding a splash of broth or water can help restore that signature creaminess if needed.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice has a longer cooking time and a different texture, so it’s not recommended for this recipe as is. However, if you want to use brown rice, pre-cook it before mixing or adjust cooking times significantly to ensure the rice and chicken cook properly.
Is there a way to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the cream of celery soup with a dairy-free cream soup or homemade white sauce, use dairy-free butter alternatives, and replace cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese or omit it altogether for a lighter version.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely. Chopped broccoli, peas, mushrooms, or diced carrots can be mixed in with the chicken and rice before baking. Just be mindful of moisture content to keep the casserole creamy and not watery.
What cut of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for tenderness and mild flavor. You can also use thighs if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat, but adjust cooking time if needed to make sure they are fully cooked.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead and bake later?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to account for the cold temperature.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe is a true kitchen champion: easy enough for busy weeknights but comforting and rich enough to feel like a special treat. It’s one of those dishes that welcomes you with warm aromas and delivers happiness with every bite. Give it a try, and I promise it may just become a beloved staple on your dinner rotation!
Print
Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy sauce made from cream of celery soup and chicken broth. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, it’s perfect for family dinners and easy meal prep, baking to a delicious golden finish in just under 1 hour 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice Mixture
- 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of celery soup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cream of celery soup, and melted butter until you achieve a smooth, uniform sauce base.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the uncooked rice, cubed chicken, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the soup mixture, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
- Assemble: Pour this combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture during baking.
- Bake: Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 70 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Add Cheese: Carefully remove the foil, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest & Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to set before serving hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped onions or mushrooms to the mixture before baking.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth and soup to control sodium content.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated well.
- Ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender before removing from the oven to avoid a crunchy texture.
