Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole

Name: Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Highlighted under: Comfort Food Love

I absolutely adore this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole! It’s become a family favorite because it’s not only comforting but incredibly easy to prepare. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy sauce makes this dish irresistible. I love how all the flavors meld together while baking, creating an aroma that fills the kitchen and brings everyone to the table. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this casserole is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction to anyone who digs in.

Created by

Keira Thompson

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:37:10.931Z

When I first made this casserole, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. To my surprise, it was an instant hit! The secret is using high-quality, flavorful chicken broth and letting it simmer to infuse the rice with deep flavor. I recommend using leftovers or pre-cooked chicken to save time.

Over the years, I’ve played around with different vegetables and spices, eventually settling on the perfect blend that works for my family. I often add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme right before serving, giving it an extra pop of flavor and freshness!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy sauce that envelopes every bite
One-pan meal for easy cleanup and preparation
Versatile – can be customized with your favorite veggies

Flavorful Components

The richness of this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole comes primarily from the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Together, they create a glossy, smooth sauce that clings to each grain of rice and shred of chicken. I recommend using low-sodium broth to control the salt levels, especially if you're using store-bought soup, which can be salty. The addition of garlic and onion powder enhances the overall flavor profile, marrying beautifully with the creamy base.

Incorporating mixed vegetables not only adds a burst of color but also contributes nutritional value to the dish. You can choose frozen peas and carrots for classic flavors, or even add corn or green beans for a pop of sweetness. Remember, the choice of vegetables will influence the texture and flavor. Feel free to use what you have on hand, just make sure to estimate about one cup to keep the balance right.

Technique Tips

When preparing the casserole, ensure your cooked rice and chicken are completely cooled before combining. Warm or hot ingredients can create steam during baking, leading to a mushy texture. If you're short on time, using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred the meat and it’s ready to mix right in. This preserves the juicy character of the chicken while speeding up the prep process.

To get that perfectly golden top, I suggest drizzling a little extra olive oil on the surface before baking it uncovered in the final 15 minutes. This simple technique adds a hint of crispiness and enhances the presentation. If you prefer a cheesier topping, consider adding an additional layer of cheese on top before returning it to the oven.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious casserole:

Casserole Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

Make sure all ingredients are prepped and measured before you begin!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your casserole:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s perfectly heated when your casserole is ready to bake.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, mixed vegetables, cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.

Transfer to Casserole Dish

Drizzle the olive oil in a casserole dish and spread the mixture evenly in the dish.

Bake

Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden on top.

Serve

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly. Enjoy your creamy chicken and rice casserole!

Pair with a fresh salad to complete your meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This casserole is an excellent option for make-ahead meal planning. You can prepare it all the way up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just remember to extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes if baking straight from the fridge to ensure it's heated thoroughly. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked casserole for up to three months. Just allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before baking to ensure even cooking.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to keep the casserole moist, and cover it with foil to prevent the top from over-browning. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until it's warmed through, usually around 25 minutes.

Customizations and Variations

Feel free to customize your Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole based on personal tastes or dietary needs. For a lighter version, swap the cream of chicken soup for a homemade white sauce using flour, butter, and milk. This gives you control over ingredients and can even be made dairy-free by using a plant-based milk. Additionally, for a sneaky veggie boost, add finely chopped spinach or kale into the mixture.

If you're looking to spice things up, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne for heat. To elevate your flavors further, a dash of lemon juice right before serving can bring brightness to the dish. Don't hesitate to vary the protein; for instance, substitute the chicken with shredded turkey or even stay vegetarian by using hearty beans.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time as it takes longer to cook.

→ Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

→ What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

You can use rotisserie chicken, boiled chicken, or even grilled chicken for added flavor.