If you are on the lookout for a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Packed with tender chunks of chicken, fluffy rice, and a luscious creamy sauce, this dish brings together simple ingredients for an effortlessly satisfying experience. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds and making it a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this casserole plays a starring role to create a medley of flavors and textures that work beautifully together. These essentials are straightforward but come together to build a cozy and flavor-packed dish you’ll love.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 cups, cubed): Tender and juicy, chicken forms the flavorful protein base of the casserole.
- Long-grain white rice (2 cups, uncooked): Provides the perfect fluffy texture that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Chicken broth (3 cups): Adds savory depth and moisture, helping the rice cook to perfection.
- Cream of celery soup (2 cans, 10.5 oz each): The secret to that signature creamy texture and mild celery flavor that elevates the whole dish.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Adds richness and smoothness, tying all ingredients together.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Packs in a warm and subtle flavor boost without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essentials for seasoning that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and rice.
- Shredded mild cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into a bubbly, golden topping that gives the casserole a mouthwatering finish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to gently cook your casserole evenly. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and make sure your creamy layers slide out beautifully when served.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the chicken broth, cream of celery soup, and melted butter. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This blend is the foundation of your casserole’s luscious texture and rich flavor, so take a moment to get it nice and well combined.
Step 3: Mix in the Rice and Chicken
Stir in the uncooked rice along with the cubed chicken breasts. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste, then mix everything thoroughly so all ingredients are evenly distributed. This step is the magic moment where ingredients begin to coalesce into the comforting dish you’re about to create.
Step 4: Assemble and Cover
Pour your mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to form an even layer. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture, allowing the rice to cook perfectly alongside the chicken for that wonderful tender bite.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Tender
Place your casserole in the oven and bake for about 70 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the creamy sauce, and the chicken will cook fully, resulting in a harmonious texture that’s wonderfully soft and deliciously melded with the sauce.
Step 6: Add the Cheesy Finish
After removing the foil, sprinkle the shredded mild cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven without foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This final step creates a bubbly, golden cheese crust that adds a delightful, melty contrast to the creamy rice beneath.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, give your casserole a few minutes to rest. This helps it set up nicely, making it easier to serve and allowing the flavors to fully meld together for the best eating experience.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh pop of color and added flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top just before serving. Not only does it brighten the dish visually, but the herbs add a light herbal note that complements the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you’d like to serve it with sides, crispy roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or steamed broccoli pair beautifully. They add a lovely textural contrast and bring extra nutrients to your plate without overpowering the creamy main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your casserole into a charming family-style centerpiece by serving it straight from the baking dish, letting everyone scoop out their portions. For a fun twist, try layering the casserole in individual ramekins for personal servings that make each dinner feel special and thoughtfully plated.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day meal whenever you want something warm and easy.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it fully in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the texture intact and prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, microwave portions with a cover to retain moisture, stirring halfway for even heating. The creamy nature of the dish means it returns to its comforting goodness beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice can be used, but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly and possibly add extra broth to ensure the rice cooks through properly and stays creamy.
Is there a way to make this casserole dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream of celery soup with a dairy-free creamy soup alternative and use dairy-free butter and cheese substitutes. Coconut milk or cashew cream can also help maintain the creamy texture without dairy.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, adding veggies like chopped mushrooms, peas, or diced carrots before baking can boost nutrition and add texture. Just be mindful of releasing extra moisture; cutting down on broth slightly can help keep the casserole from becoming too watery.
What should I do if I don’t have cream of celery soup?
You can substitute cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup for similar results. Alternatively, whip up a quick homemade white sauce with celery flavor by sautéing celery and onion and mixing with a roux and milk.
Is it better to cook the chicken first before baking?
This recipe uses raw chicken that cooks during baking for ultimate tenderness and juiciness. However, if you prefer, lightly sautéing the chicken beforehand can add extra flavor but may change the texture slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe is a beautifully simple dish that delivers rich, comforting flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week ahead, it’s a true crowd-pleaser that combines creamy, cheesy, and satisfying elements all in one dish. I can’t wait for you to try it and share that wonderful cozy feeling it brings to the table!
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Creamy Chicken & 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 and rice casserole combines tender cubed chicken breasts, long-grain white rice, and a rich blend of chicken broth and cream of celery soup, all baked to perfection for a hearty and comforting meal. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Protein and Grains
- 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
Liquids & Dairy
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of celery soup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of celery soup, and melted butter until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the uncooked rice, cubed chicken breasts, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake: Place the covered dish into the oven and bake for 70 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Add cheese topping: Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes outside the oven before serving to let it set and cool slightly for best texture.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are cut into uniform cubes to promote even cooking.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- Feel free to substitute cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom or chicken soup for a different flavor profile.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; simply add extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
