This creamy chicken rice casserole brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for family dinners, this one-dish meal is a satisfying way to feed everyone with minimal prep. Let the oven do the work as you relax, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this easy-to-make casserole!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole:
Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty—this casserole is pure comfort in every bite.
Easy One-Dish Meal: No need to cook ingredients separately; everything bakes together in one pan.
Perfect for Families: Kids and adults alike love the simple flavors of creamy rice and cheesy chicken.
Customizable: Swap in different veggies, cheeses, or seasonings to make it your own.
Key Ingredients:
Each ingredient in this casserole adds flavor, creaminess, and texture. Here’s how to make the most of them:
Chicken: Use cubed boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a mild flavor and easy preparation. Thighs work well, too, for extra tenderness.
White Rice: Long-grain white rice is best as it absorbs the creamy broth without becoming mushy. Avoid instant or quick-cooking rice, as it may overcook.
Chicken Broth: Broth enhances the flavor. For a richer taste, use low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness or substitute part of the broth with milk or cream for extra creaminess.
Cream of Celery Soup: Cream of celery soup adds subtle flavor, but cream of chicken or mushroom soup are also great alternatives.
Cheddar Cheese: Mild cheddar melts well and adds richness. Try Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Gruyère for different flavor variations.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Sauce Mixture
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine:
3 cups chicken broth
2 cans cream of celery soup
1/4 cup melted butter
Whisk: Whisk together until smooth to create a rich, creamy sauce base for the casserole.
3. Combine the Ingredients
Add Rice and Chicken: To the sauce mixture, add:
2 cups uncooked white rice
2 cups cubed chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking)
Season: Add salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder to taste. Stir until everything is well coated.
4. Transfer to the Baking Dish
Spread in Dish: Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Cover with Foil: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture, ensuring the rice cooks evenly and the chicken remains tender.
5. Bake the Casserole
Initial Bake: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 70 minutes. This gives the rice time to absorb the flavors and soften.
Check for Doneness: After 70 minutes, carefully remove the foil. The rice should be tender, and the chicken should be cooked through.
6. Add the Cheddar Cheese
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup grated cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and browns.
7. Rest and Serve
Cool and Set: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set.
Serve Warm: Serve warm with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
This casserole is delicious on its own, but here are some sides and garnishes to round out the meal:
Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans add a nutritious, colorful touch.
Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Garnishes: Sprinkle with chopped parsley, chives, or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
This casserole stores well, making it great for leftovers and meal prep.
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: To reheat, cover and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through. For a single serving, microwave on medium power until warm.
Variations to Try:
Get creative with these variations to make the dish your own:
Vegetable Addition: Add frozen peas, diced carrots, or chopped bell peppers to the mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Herbed Casserole: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to enhance the flavor.
Creamy Mushroom Casserole: Substitute cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery, and add sautéed mushrooms to the mixture.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
Cheese Swap: Try using Swiss, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. You can also add a bit of Parmesan for extra depth.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole is the perfect comforting dish, bringing together tender chicken, creamy rice, and melted cheese in one easy-to-make meal. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a satisfying option for any night of the week. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s sure to be a hit!
