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 chicken, shredded; 1 cup white rice, uncooked; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Warm Table Delights

I absolutely love making Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole, especially during those busy weeknights when time is tight but comfort food is a must. This dish brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a luxuriously creamy sauce that envelops everything perfectly. It's one of those recipes that everyone in my family can agree on and devour. Plus, it's all made in one dish, which makes cleanup a breeze! It's the perfect cozy meal that never fails to hit the spot.

Created by

Erin Wallace

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:10:25.057Z

One of my favorite memories is gathering around the dinner table with my family, enjoying this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole. I love that it's easy to prepare yet so satisfying. After experimenting with different types of cream and broth, I found that using a blend of chicken broth and heavy cream creates the perfect consistency. Cheesy, creamy goodness that coats every grain of rice and piece of chicken.

Another great aspect of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily add vegetables like peas or carrots to sneak in some extra nutrition. I often throw in some frozen mixed veggies when I'm in a hurry, and my kids never notice! It’s all about making it work for you and your family's taste preferences.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy texture that's incredibly comforting
A one-pan dish that simplifies cleanup and cooking
Customizable with your favorite veggies for added nutrition

The Importance of Ingredients

The foundation of Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole lies in its ingredients. Using high-quality, cooked chicken is crucial for achieving a tender texture. If you're in a hurry, rotisserie chicken works perfectly as a time-saving shortcut. The uncooked white rice is vital as it absorbs the broth and cream during baking, creating that comforting, cohesive texture. Always ensure your rice is standard long-grain white rice, as other types may alter the cooking times and texture of your casserole.

Heavy cream is what gives this dish its luxurious mouthfeel. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk; just note that the consistency will be lighter. Don’t skip the shredded cheddar cheese, as it adds a nice bold flavor and creates a deliciously gooey topping. For extra flavor, consider using sharp cheddar for more depth.

Baking Technique Tips

When mixing your casserole ingredients, ensure they are well-combined to avoid uneven cooking. The goal is to coat every grain of rice and chicken with the creamy sauce. If you’re using frozen mixed vegetables, it's best to let them sit out for a bit to soften before mixing them in; this helps them distribute evenly rather than clumping together during baking. Each ingredient should have its moment in the casserole, so stir lightly to maintain some texture without over-mixing.

Covering the dish with aluminum foil during the first phase of baking traps steam, which is essential for cooking the rice properly. After 30 minutes, removing the foil allows the cheese to melt perfectly without burning. Keep an eye on the casserole during the final 15 minutes; broiler settings can vary in intensity, and you want that cheese to be bubbly and golden but not scorched. If you find the top browning too quickly, simply tent it with foil.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smoother.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup white rice, uncooked
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Once you have everything ready, you're all set to start making this delightful casserole.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your casserole effortlessly.

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.

Mix ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Add the frozen mixed vegetables if you’re using them.

Transfer to baking dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.

Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.

Add cheese

Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious casserole with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For a twist, try adding spices like paprika or using different types of cheese such as mozzarella or gouda.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can assemble it a day prior, cover it with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and follow the instructions, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if it's starting from cold. This is a great method for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy a cozy dinner with minimal fuss.

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave on medium heat, stirring occasionally, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If you want to freeze this casserole, do so for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s cooled completely before wrapping tightly in freezer-safe plastic and foil to prevent freezer burn.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed green vegetables. The freshness and crunch of a salad help balance the creaminess of the dish. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also enhance the flavors by adding some spices or herbs—try stirring in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a handful of fresh thyme into the mixture before baking.

Feel free to customize this recipe to fit your taste preferences. Swap out the chicken for turkey or use beans for a vegetarian option. Add spices like cumin or cayenne for a bit of a kick. Another variation could be to use different cheeses, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for different flavors. The flexibility of this recipe makes it fun to adapt and experiment with your personal favorites.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and adds great flavor.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?

Yes! You can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to eat.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container.