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
Scale
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.
