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 chicken, shredded; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Busy Recipes

I absolutely love making Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole for family gatherings! It’s a dish that combines tender chicken with flavorful rice in a creamy sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. The best part is how easily it comes together—just a few simple steps, and you’ve got a hearty dish baking in the oven. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights because you can prep it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat.

Created by

Wendy Ashbourne

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:19:34.818Z

When I first made this Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole, I was blown away by how deliciously simple it was. I started with leftover roasted chicken and wanted to create something warm and fulfilling that would feed the whole family. The combination of cream of chicken soup and sour cream not only adds richness but also helps keep the rice incredibly moist as it bakes.

A tip I’d share is to experiment with different vegetables. Adding in some broccoli or peas not only enhances the flavor but also brings a nice pop of color. It’s become a favorite in our household, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Creamy texture that coats every bite of chicken and rice
Comfort food that brings the family together around the dinner table
Flexible recipe allowing for endless vegetable variations

      

The Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. The long-grain white rice provides the necessary base and absorbs the creamy sauce, keeping the dish cohesive. Using cooked chicken adds protein and absorbs the flavors from the other ingredients, making each bite satisfying. The cream of chicken soup and sour cream create a rich, velvety texture that coats every ingredient, ensuring a delightful mouthfeel.

Frozen mixed vegetables not only add a burst of color but also bring in essential nutrients. Make sure to choose a medley that includes peas, carrots, and corn, as they offer a pleasant sweet note that balances the savory elements. If you want to switch things up, you can use fresh vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers, just remember to adjust the cooking time to ensure they are tender but still crisp.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the beauties of this casserole is its make-ahead potential. You can assemble the entire dish in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember, if you're prepping it ahead of time, you might want to reduce the initial baking time, since the dish will be cold from the fridge. Popping it in the oven straight from the fridge can add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. Once the casserole has cooled completely, cut it into servings and place them in airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. This is a great way to have a homemade meal ready for those busy days!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your meal with easy side dishes. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables pairs perfectly, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. If you're looking for a crunchy texture, serving it alongside garlic bread or a warm baguette makes for a comforting family dinner.

Feel free to customize the flavors by adding spices or herbs. A sprinkle of paprika or a dash of hot sauce can introduce a little kick, while fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add brightness. You can also swap in different proteins like turkey or even a plant-based alternative to cater to dietary preferences. The versatility of this casserole makes it a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity!

Ingredients

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Prepare the dish with these ingredients!

Instructions

Instructions for Preparing Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Ingredients

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

Bake the Casserole

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Add Cheese and Finish Baking

If using, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious creamy chicken and rice dish!

Your delicious casserole is ready to serve!

Pro Tips

For a little extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the mixture before baking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your casserole is too dry after baking, it may be because the rice absorbed too much liquid. To remedy this, make sure to measure your rice accurately and consider adding a little more chicken broth to the mixture. Alternatively, adding a splash of broth just before serving can moisten the dish back up without compromising the creamy texture.

Conversely, if your casserole is too soupy, it could be due to using an incorrect type of rice. Long-grain rice is ideal for absorbing moisture without becoming mushy. If you accidentally used a quick-cooking rice, it might not hold up as well. To fix this, you can cook the casserole a bit longer uncovered to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Flavor Boosters

For those looking to elevate the dish further, consider adding flavor boosters like a splash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard to the chicken mixture. These ingredients enhance the overall depth and add a savory complexity that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce. You can also experiment with different types of cheese; a mix of mozzarella and parmesan can add a delightful cheesy stretch and nutty flavor.

Moreover, incorporating sautéed onions or fresh garlic can infuse the casserole with aromatic richness. Simply sauté them in a bit of oil before adding to the mixture, providing a strong foundation of flavor. These enhancements not only deepen the taste but also add aromatic warmth that enhances the comfort food appeal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice may require more cooking liquid and a longer baking time.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.

→ What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

You can make a homemade version using milk, flour, and chicken broth, or substitute with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

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