🥘 Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe – Comfort Food at Its Best

🧀 What Is a Chicken Casserole?

Casseroles are hearty, baked dishes that typically combine protein (like chicken), a starch (like rice, pasta, or potatoes), and a creamy sauce. This chicken and rice casserole is a classic comfort dish that's easy to prepare and a favorite at family dinners.

🍗 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white or brown rice

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

• 1½ cups chicken broth

• ½ cup milk

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (optional)

• 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

🧴 Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter.

🥣 Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:

• Combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk. Stir until smooth.

• Add uncooked rice, diced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

• Fold in cooked chicken, peas, and carrots.

🧀 Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Pour the mixture evenly into the greased dish.

• Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

🥖 Step 5: Add the Optional Topping

• Mix breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter.

• Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer for a crispy golden topping.

⏱️ Step 6: Bake

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

• Remove foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

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🥄 Serving Suggestions

Serve hot and pair with:

• A light side salad

• Garlic bread or dinner rolls

• Steamed veggies

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💡 Tips for Perfect Casserole

• Don’t skip the foil in the first part of baking—it keeps the rice from drying out.

• Double the batch for meal prepping or large families.

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time!

🧠 Final Thoughts

This creamy chicken and rice casserole is a complete, hearty, and satisfying meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With simple ingredients and rich flavors, it's a crowd-pleaser for all ages.