If you’re searching for a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It combines tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce that’s both simple to prepare and utterly satisfying. Every bite delivers that cozy creaminess with just the right touch of cheesy goodness, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or feeding a crowd. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe box and a go-to comfort food classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays a crucial role, bringing balance, moisture, and a comforting richness to the dish.
- Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken ensures tender, juicy bites that meld perfectly with rice.
- Long-grain white rice: This rice cooks up fluffy and light, soaking up the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
- Chicken broth: Provides savory depth and moisture to tenderize both rice and chicken.
- Cream of celery soup: Adds a silky, creamy base with subtle savory celery notes enhancing the casserole’s flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness and a luscious mouthfeel to the sauce mixture.
- Garlic powder: Offers a gentle, aromatic punch that lifts the overall savory profile.
- Salt and black pepper: Fundamental seasonings to perfectly balance and highlight all other tastes.
- Shredded mild cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating a golden, bubbly, cheesy crust.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s essential to have your oven ready so the casserole cooks evenly. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it generously to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple prep step will ensure your casserole comes out perfectly shaped and easy to serve.
Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Sauce Base
In a large bowl, combine chicken broth, the cream of celery soup, and melted butter. Whisk them together until you get a smooth, velvety mixture. This sauce is what turns the rice and chicken into that unforgettable creamy casserole magic, so take a moment to get it silky perfect.
Step 3: Mix in the Main Ingredients
Next, add the uncooked rice and cubed chicken into your sauce mixture. Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then stir everything gently but thoroughly. This is where the flavors start marrying, and the rice soaks in all that savory goodness before baking.
Step 4: Assemble and Cover
Pour the entire mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly for consistent cooking. Once it’s all in place, cover the dish tightly with foil. This step traps the steam inside, helping the rice cook perfectly while keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the covered casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 70 minutes. This slow and steady bake allows the rice to absorb all those lovely flavors and become tender without drying out. Make sure the chicken fully cooks through during this time — a juicy texture is the goal here.
Step 6: Add the Cheesy Topping
Remove the foil carefully to reveal the fluffy rice and succulent chicken. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then return the dish to the oven uncovered for about 10 minutes. This final step gives you a golden, bubbly cheese crust that adds a delicious, slightly crispy texture to contrast the creamy base.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let your casserole rest for a few minutes. This little pause helps everything set just right so your Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe slices cleanly and holds its creamy consistency without being runny.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives instantly lifts this classic dish. The vibrant green brings freshness and a slight earthiness that complements the rich creaminess. A few thinly sliced green onions or even a dash of smoked paprika can also enhance both color and flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is wonderfully filling and flavorful on its own, lighter, crisp side dishes work well alongside it. Think roasted vegetables, a simple garden salad with a bright vinaigrette, or steamed green beans. These provide texture contrast and keep the overall meal balanced and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests or add a twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. Another idea: sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan over the cheese layer before the final bake for extra crunch. Pair with a glass of chilled white wine to complete a cozy, elegant dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve its creamy texture and delicious flavors.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to ensure even reheating and to keep the chicken tender and moist.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, usually about 20-25 minutes. You can cover the top loosely with foil if it starts browning too much. Alternatively, microwave portions with a damp paper towel covering for a quick option, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You certainly can, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. It’s best to par-cook the brown rice or adjust the liquid ratios and bake time accordingly to ensure it becomes tender.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Most cream of celery soups contain gluten, so look for a certified gluten-free brand or make your own homemade creamy base using gluten-free ingredients to keep the casserole safe and delicious.
Can I substitute cream of celery soup with another flavor?
Absolutely. Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soups make great alternatives that bring a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the creamy texture you want in this casserole.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken cubes should be opaque and tender after the baking period, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Since the casserole is baked covered, the chicken cooks gently and should come out perfectly done along with the rice.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Adding peas, carrots, or chopped broccoli can boost the nutrition and add nice color and texture. Just be mindful of moisture content so the casserole doesn’t become too watery.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. With its luscious creaminess, tender chicken, and cheesy finish, it has a way of bringing comfort and joy to your dinner table every time. I encourage you to make it soon, share it with those you love, and watch it quickly become a household favorite.
Print
Creamy Chicken and 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
Description
This Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender cubed chicken and long-grain rice baked in a creamy blend of chicken broth, cream of celery soup, and melted butter. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken & 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 and prepare dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of celery soup, and melted butter until you achieve a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Add main ingredients. Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, cubed chicken breasts, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Assemble casserole. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture while baking.
- Bake covered. Bake in the preheated oven for 70 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Add cheese topping. Carefully remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole. Return it to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of celery soup with cream of chicken or mushroom soup for a different flavor.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and low-sodium chicken broth.
- If you prefer, add vegetables like peas or carrots for added nutrition and color.
- Ensure chicken breasts are cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.
