CREAMY CHICKEN RICE CASSEROLE

Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole

Introduction:

When it comes to comfort food, casseroles are at the top of the list. They offer a warm, hearty meal in a single dish, making them perfect for busy days when you need a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Among the most beloved casserole recipes is the Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole.

This dish combines tender chicken, creamy soup, fluffy rice, and melted cheese to create a rich and delicious meal that the whole family will love.

It’s the kind of dish that provides everything you need: protein, carbohydrates, and plenty of flavor, all in one pan.

Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or serving something comforting for guests, this casserole delivers.

The creamy texture, combined with savory chicken and melted cheese, makes every bite a pleasure. Let’s get started with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Ingredients:

For this Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

3 cups chicken broth: This forms the base of the casserole and adds a savory depth of flavor.

2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of celery soup: The creamy base for the casserole, which also adds flavor and a smooth texture.

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed: The chicken provides protein and becomes tender and juicy during baking.

2 cups white rice, uncooked: The rice will absorb the broth and soup, making it tender and flavorful.

1 teaspoon kosher salt: For seasoning and enhancing the flavor.

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: To taste, for a mild seasoning that balances the richness of the dish.

1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the casserole.

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb adds a subtle earthiness that pairs well with the chicken and rice.

1 cup cheddar cheese, grated: The finishing touch, melted cheese adds a delicious, gooey texture and extra flavor.

How To Make Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole:

Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set the dish aside while you prepare the casserole mixture.

Prepare the Mixture:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chicken broth, cream of celery soup, and melted butter.

Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

Add the Other Ingredients:
Add the uncooked rice, cubed chicken, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme to the bowl.

Mix everything together until evenly distributed. The rice and chicken will soak up the broth and soup mixture as it bakes.

Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in.

Bake the Casserole:
Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Check the casserole at the end of the cooking time to make sure the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

If it isn’t quite done, bake it for an additional 10-15 minutes, checking the rice for doneness.

Add Cheese:
After the casserole has finished baking, uncover it and sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Return the casserole to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Rest and Serve:
Once the cheese is melted, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

This will help the dish set, making it easier to cut and serve.

Enjoy:
After it has rested, scoop portions of the casserole onto plates and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and flavorful goodness!

Tips:

Variations: Feel free to make this casserole your own by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition.

You can also swap the cream of celery soup for cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, depending on your preference.

Rice Tip: If you’re using a different type of rice (like brown rice), you may need to adjust the cooking time and increase the liquid slightly, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

Cheese Variations: If you prefer a different cheese, try using Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken. Simply shred the cooked chicken and mix it into the casserole for an even quicker prep time.

Storage:

This casserole makes great leftovers, and it’s easy to store for later.

Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: If you want to make this casserole in advance, you can freeze it. Before baking, assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with foil.

Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.

If you’re baking it from frozen, you may need to extend the cooking time by 10-15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole is filling on its own, but you can serve it alongside a few simple side dishes to complete the meal:

Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole.

Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots would make a great addition to the meal, adding both color and nutrition.

Garlic Bread: For a carb-filled treat, serve the casserole with some buttery garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up all the creamy goodness.

Conclusion:

This Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole is the perfect comfort food—simple to make, yet incredibly satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, creamy soup, rice, and melted cheese creates a rich and hearty dish that’s ideal for any occasion.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a meal ahead of time, this casserole is a guaranteed winner. It’s easy to make, customizable, and always delicious!