Easy & Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
There’s something uniquely comforting and satisfying about a homemade casserole. It’s the quintessential meal that wraps you in warmth, brings loved ones around the table, and often generously provides delicious leftovers. If you’re searching for a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly straightforward dinner solution, your quest ends here. This fantastic chicken and rice casserole recipe is a culinary triumph, packed with tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce that will make it an instant hit with your family.
Why This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Will Become Your Favorite
I confess, I’m absolutely smitten with a well-crafted casserole. They epitomize convenience and flavor, demanding minimal effort while delivering maximum deliciousness. This particular creamy chicken and rice casserole holds a special place in my culinary repertoire because it consistently exceeds expectations. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that delivers on taste, ease, and that comforting warmth everyone craves, especially on crisp evenings or busy weeknights.
What sets this chicken bake apart? It functions as a complete, balanced meal all in one dish, which translates to significantly less cleanup – a huge win in any busy household. Moreover, it relies on simple, readily available ingredients such as frozen peas and carrots and a couple of cans of cream of chicken soup. This makes it incredibly budget-friendly and accessible to even novice cooks. This isn’t just another dinner; it’s the kind of dependable recipe you’ll want to add to your rotation, standing proudly alongside other cherished casserole recipes like my popular chicken and dumpling casserole, the crispy Ritz chicken casserole, and the classic chicken noodle casserole. Each offers a unique, hearty, and satisfying experience.
The Ultimate Comfort Food for Any Occasion
While often celebrated during cooler Fall and Winter months, this creamy chicken rice bake is genuinely a dish for all seasons. It’s the wholesome, fulfilling meal that can satisfy even the heartiest appetites and bring a smile to every face at the dinner table. Imagine a leisurely Sunday dinner, with the inviting aroma of this casserole permeating your home, or a quick weeknight solution that feels effortlessly gourmet. And for an extra bonus, you’ll likely have delightful leftovers to savor for lunch the following day, ensuring Monday gets off to a delicious start!
DON’T MISS: One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken
How to Prepare This Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole: Your Simple Guide
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its remarkably straightforward preparation. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can assemble this incredibly flavorful meal. Let’s walk through the process, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To begin your journey to a delicious homemade casserole, gather these easily found ingredients:
- Cooked Chicken: Approximately 2 cups, shredded or diced. This can be prepped in advance for ultimate convenience.
- Uncooked Long-Grain Rice: 2 cups – this forms the foundation of our hearty casserole, absorbing all the wonderful flavors as it bakes.
- Frozen Peas and Carrots: One 10-ounce bag. These add a delightful pop of color, texture, and essential nutrients without any extra chopping.
- Onion: ½ a medium onion, finely chopped, to provide a subtle aromatic depth to the dish.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 2 cans. This is the star ingredient that creates the ultra-creamy, rich, and comforting sauce.
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups. Crucial for ensuring the uncooked rice cooks perfectly and the casserole remains wonderfully moist.
- Seasonings: 2 teaspoons paprika, 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. These spices are carefully chosen to enhance the chicken and give the casserole a classic, savory profile.
- Butter: 3 tablespoons, thinly sliced into small pats. These will melt beautifully over the top, contributing to a golden crust and extra richness.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional): A small amount for garnish, adding a touch of vibrant green and fresh flavor just before serving.
Choosing and Prepping Your Chicken
The beauty of this easy chicken casserole lies in its versatility when it comes to the chicken component. You can utilize virtually any cooked chicken you happen to have on hand. For example, I often prepare a batch of shredded chicken in my slow cooker or poach chicken breast in my Dutch oven specifically for future casserole creations. However, if you have leftover roasted or grilled chicken breast from a previous meal, this recipe offers the perfect opportunity to transform it into something new and exciting! For the ultimate in convenience, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store is an absolute lifesaver – it’s a fantastic shortcut that doesn’t compromise on the delicious, tender chicken flavor. Simply shred or dice your chosen cooked chicken, and you’re all set to begin assembling your casserole.
Assembly: Building Layers of Flavor
With your ingredients prepped and ready, assembling this casserole is a quick and satisfying process. Grab a standard 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- The Flavorful Foundation: Begin by spreading your shredded or diced cooked chicken evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This layer will form a robust and flavorful base for the entire casserole.
- Rice and Veggie Harmony: Next, evenly pour the uncooked long-grain rice directly over the chicken layer. There’s no need to cook the rice beforehand; it will absorb all the delicious liquids and flavors during the baking process. Then, generously scatter the frozen peas and carrots, along with the finely chopped onion, on top of the rice. The medley of colors already makes this dish look appealing!
- Crafting the Creamy Sauce: In a separate, large mixing bowl, combine the two cans of cream of chicken soup with the chicken broth, paprika, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and thoroughly combined. This luscious mixture is the heart and soul of your creamy casserole, infusing every bite with rich flavor and an irresistible texture.
- Final Touches: Carefully pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the layers of rice, chicken, and vegetables in the baking dish. Ensure that all ingredients are adequately submerged in the liquid to promote even cooking. To finish, dot the entire top surface with the sliced butter pats. These small pieces of butter will melt into the casserole as it bakes, creating a beautifully golden and slightly crispy crust while adding an extra layer of luxurious richness to the dish.
Baking Your Perfect Chicken and Rice Casserole to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cover your casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil; this step is critical as it traps the steam, allowing the uncooked rice to cook thoroughly and become perfectly tender. Bake the casserole for 60 minutes. After an hour, carefully remove the foil and check the rice. If it’s still a bit firm, don’t worry – simply re-cover the dish and continue baking for an additional 15-30 minutes, checking every 10-15 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed nearly all the liquid. If the rice is cooked but you desire a slightly crispier, golden-brown top, remove the foil for the final 10-15 minutes of baking. Once the casserole is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to set. For an extra touch of freshness and color, garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken and Rice Casserole
Achieving casserole perfection is easy with these simple tips:
- Broth is Essential: The chicken broth isn’t just for flavor; it’s crucial for cooking the uncooked rice. Ensure you use the full 2 cups. If you prefer a slightly saucier casserole, a little extra broth can be added without issue.
- Always Use Cooked Chicken: While the rice cooks beautifully in the oven, your chicken must be pre-cooked. Using raw chicken will likely result in undercooked rice or, conversely, overcooked and dry chicken.
- Season to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amounts of paprika, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper to suit your family’s preferences. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can also be added for an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Customize Your Veggies: Don’t like peas and carrots? No problem at all! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Substitute with other frozen vegetables like sweet corn, cut green beans, or a mixed vegetable blend. Just make sure they are small and quick-cooking.
- Add a Cheesy Twist: For an even richer, more indulgent experience, sprinkle about 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses over the top of the casserole during the last 15-20 minutes of baking, after you remove the foil.
Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations
This chicken and rice casserole is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, making it incredibly convenient. However, it also pairs wonderfully with a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious creamy sauce. Consider these additional ideas:
- Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives over individual servings for an extra burst of tanginess and fresh flavor.
- For a delightful Greek-inspired twist on this classic, explore this one-pot Greek chicken and rice casserole recipe.
- If you’re craving more comforting casserole ideas, be sure to try my equally delicious chicken divan recipe or this supremely satisfying creamy tuna noodle casserole for more dinner inspiration.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
This casserole is an excellent choice for meal prepping! You can easily assemble the entire dish (holding off on adding the butter pats until just before baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add the butter pats as directed, and increase the baking time by approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the rice is perfectly tender. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven, making it ideal for quick and easy lunches or effortless weeknight dinners throughout the week.
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 2 cups uncooked long grain rice
- 1- 10 ounce bag frozen peas and carrots
- ½ onion chopped
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter sliced
- fresh parsley for garnish if desired
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees and prepare a 9 x 13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
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Spread the chicken evenly along the bottom of the casserole dish.
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Pour the rice on top of the chicken.
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Add frozen peas and carrots and chopped onion on top of the rice.
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In a large bowl, mix the soup, chicken broth, paprika, poultry seasoning, and salt & pepper until well combined. Spread the mixture on top of the peas and carrots.
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Top with sliced butter.
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Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Test to see if the rice is cooked. If not, uncover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or so.
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Top with fresh parsley, if desired.
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Conclusion: A Casserole You’ll Cherish
This easy and creamy chicken and rice casserole is far more than just a recipe; it’s a promise of a comforting, delicious, and utterly stress-free meal that will become a cherished part of your family’s culinary traditions. Whether you are a seasoned home cook looking for a reliable favorite or just beginning your culinary journey, this dish is forgiving, robustly flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So, gather your simple ingredients, follow these straightforward steps, and prepare to indulge in one of the best chicken casseroles you’ll ever have the pleasure of making. I truly hope you and your family enjoy this delightful chicken and rice bake as much as mine does!
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