Description: Looking for a dinner that’s creamy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying? This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect comfort food that will have your family asking for seconds! This classic casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust. It’s a simple yet incredibly delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed) – About 1 pound of cooked chicken, leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly!
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice – Using long-grain rice ensures a fluffy and separate texture. Avoid short-grain rice.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – This provides the base for the creamy sauce and adds a savory chicken flavor.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – Adds depth and richness to the sauce, complementing the chicken.
- 2 cups chicken broth – Adds moisture to cook the rice and enhances the chicken flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk – Contributes to the creaminess of the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping) – Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, cheesy flavor that complements the creamy sauce and chicken. Use your favorite type of cheddar.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Enhances the savory flavor of the casserole.
- 1 tsp onion powder – Adds a subtle oniony flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping) – Panko breadcrumbs provide a light and crispy topping.
- 2 tbsp butter (melted) – Helps to brown the breadcrumbs and adds richness to the topping.
**Preparation:**
Step 1: Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and that the rice becomes tender without burning the top. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Greasing the dish prevents the casserole from sticking and makes it easier to clean afterward. You can use cooking spray, butter, or oil to grease the dish.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the uncooked long-grain rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Ensure that all the ingredients are well combined to create a uniform base for the casserole. This step is crucial for even cooking and flavor distribution. Be sure to break up any clumps in the soup for a smoother mixture.
Step 3: Add Chicken: Fold in the cooked chicken and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Using cooked chicken is essential as the casserole baking time is primarily to cook the rice. Folding the ingredients gently ensures that the chicken remains tender and doesn’t break apart too much. The cheddar cheese will melt into the sauce, adding a creamy, cheesy flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly. This step ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and that the rice is submerged in the liquid, allowing it to cook properly. A uniform layer will result in a more visually appealing final product.
Step 5: Top with Cheese: Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This layer of cheese will melt and create a golden, cheesy crust on the casserole. Feel free to use a generous amount of cheese for an extra cheesy delight!
Step 6: Add Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Panko breadcrumbs are preferred for their light and crispy texture compared to regular breadcrumbs. The melted butter helps the breadcrumbs brown nicely and adds a rich, buttery flavor to the topping. Ensure the breadcrumbs are evenly distributed for a consistent crunch.
Step 7: Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Covering the casserole with foil prevents the top from browning too quickly and allows the rice to cook evenly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the top is golden brown. Removing the foil allows the cheese and breadcrumb topping to brown and become crispy. Check the rice for tenderness before removing the casserole from the oven.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Allowing the casserole to cool slightly will prevent it from being too runny and will allow the flavors to meld together. This also makes it easier to serve without the risk of burning yourself. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
**Why you will love this recipe:**
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a family favorite for a reason! It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The creamy, cheesy sauce is irresistible, and the tender chicken and fluffy rice make it a satisfying and comforting meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious dinner on the table. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken. The crispy panko breadcrumb topping adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy interior. This recipe is also highly customizable – you can easily adapt it to your family’s preferences by adding different vegetables or cheeses. It’s truly a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that will become a staple in your recipe collection! The warm, comforting flavors are reminiscent of home-cooked meals, evoking a sense of nostalgia and satisfaction. It’s the perfect meal to share with loved ones on a cold evening or any time you’re craving something hearty and delicious.
**Serving Suggestions:**
- Side Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole. A simple salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers is a great choice.
- Steamed Vegetables: Complement the casserole with steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. These add a healthy and colorful element to the meal.
- Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread or toasted baguette slices is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory casserole.
- Rolls or Biscuits: Serve with warm rolls or biscuits for a complete and satisfying meal.
**Tips:**
- Cook Rice in Advance: To save time, you can cook the rice ahead of time. Just make sure to slightly undercook it, as it will continue to cook in the casserole.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option for this casserole. Simply shred or cube the chicken and add it to the mixture.
- Customize with Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables to the casserole, such as peas, carrots, or corn.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the casserole for a little heat.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or Pepper Jack.
- Freezing Instructions: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and frozen before baking. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- Make it Healthier: Use low-fat cream of chicken and mushroom soup, and reduce the amount of cheese.
- Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary can add a burst of flavor to the casserole.
- Prevent sticking: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy cleanup.
- Even baking: Ensure the casserole dish is in the center of the oven rack for even baking.
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes **Cook Time:** 45 minutes **Total Time:** 1 hour
**Nutritional Information:** *(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)* **Calories:** Approximately 450-550 per serving **Protein:** Approximately 30-40g per serving **Sodium:** Approximately 700-900mg per serving
**Conclusion:**
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a timeless classic that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this casserole is the perfect choice. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a crispy breadcrumb topping is simply irresistible. Give it a try and see why this recipe is a beloved favorite! Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice? A: Yes, you can absolutely use brown rice! However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice. You may need to increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes and add a little extra chicken broth if the casserole seems dry. Ensure the brown rice is cooked through before serving.
Q2: I don’t have cream of mushroom soup. Can I substitute it with something else? A: Certainly! You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery soup, cream of potato soup, or even an additional can of cream of chicken soup. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but the casserole will still be delicious. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms to compensate for the lack of mushroom flavor.
Q3: Can I make this casserole ahead of time and freeze it? A: Yes, this casserole is perfect for making ahead and freezing. Assemble the casserole in the dish as directed, but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Remove the wrapping and bake as directed in the recipe. You may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time if it is still cold.
Q4: I’m allergic to dairy. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be dairy-free. Use dairy-free cream of chicken and mushroom soups, which are available at many grocery stores. Substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Use a dairy-free shredded cheese substitute for the cheddar cheese. The taste and texture may be slightly different, but it will still be a delicious and allergy-friendly meal.
Q5: What can I do if the breadcrumb topping is browning too quickly? A: If the breadcrumb topping is browning too quickly, you can tent the casserole with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will prevent the breadcrumbs from burning while still allowing the rice to cook through. Alternatively, you can reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees.
