Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole

Name: Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 can cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Highlighted under: Home Kitchen

I absolutely love this Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole! It combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy sauce that makes for a comforting meal any day of the week. When we make this dish, it's not just about filling our stomachs; it evokes feelings of warmth and home. The best part? It's incredibly easy to prepare, which makes it a go-to for busy evenings. I promise that once you try this recipe, it will become a family favorite, just as it is in my home.

Created by

Bethan Rowcroft

Last updated on 2026-01-24T13:53:35.087Z

When I first made this Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole, I wanted to create something that felt like a warm hug on a plate. I experimented with different seasonings and found that using a combination of garlic and thyme really enhances the flavors without overpowering the dish. The creamy sauce ensures every bite is flavorful and comforting.

What I love about this casserole is that it works wonderfully as a make-ahead meal. You can prepare it in advance and bake it when you're ready. Trust me, it tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together beautifully!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy texture that comforts and satisfies
Simple preparation that fits into busy schedules
Versatile dish that works for weeknight dinners or family gatherings

The Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole plays a critical role in achieving that comforting flavor profile. For instance, the cream of mushroom soup acts as the base for the creamy sauce, lending a rich, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the shredded chicken. It also ensures the dish remains moist throughout the baking process, preventing dry patches. If you're not a fan of mushroom, you can easily substitute it with cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce for a personalized touch.

The rice not only provides bulk but also absorbs flavors during cooking. Using cooked rice is essential, as it helps streamline the preparation; uncooked rice would require a longer bake time and alter the texture of the dish. Opting for jasmine or basmati rice can enhance the overall experience thanks to their aromatic qualities.

Tips for Perfecting Your Casserole

To ensure your casserole gets that glorious cheesy topping, sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly to cover the whole surface. If you prefer a mix of cheeses, combining cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack not only adds flavor but also creates a more complex texture that stretches beautifully. Just be cautious about overcrowding the dish with too much cheese, as this can lead to an overly greasy top layer if not monitored.

For make-ahead convenience, consider assembling the casserole the night before and refrigerating it. This allows the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in a more flavorful outcome. Just add an extra 10 to 15 minutes of baking time if you're cooking it straight from the fridge.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients before you start cooking!

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready to go!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your casserole.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, frozen vegetables, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve and Enjoy

Take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy chicken and rice casserole warm!

Enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in fresh herbs or your favorite spices to the chicken before combining with the other ingredients. You can also substitute the chicken with turkey or add your choice of veggies to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed green beans for a complete meal. To add a fresh touch, consider garnishing the top with chopped parsley or chives before serving. This not only brightens the dish aesthetically but also adds a hint of freshness that contrasts with the rich flavors of the casserole.

Leftovers from this dish can also be transformed into new meals. For instance, try using the chicken and rice mix as a filling for bell peppers before baking them. It’s a delightful way to repurpose what you have while offering a new flavor experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, you can store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, use a microwave or return it to a preheated oven. If using the oven, cover it to retain moisture and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. The cheese on top may become a bit less melty, but it'll still taste fantastic.

For longer storage, consider freezing your casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as mentioned.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this casserole.

→ Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

→ What kind of rice should I use?

You can use long-grain rice or your preference; just ensure it's cooked before adding it to the mix.

→ Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, you can use cream of chicken soup or a homemade creamy sauce if you prefer.