Comfort Food Made Simple and Delicious
There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a creamy chicken and rice casserole fresh from the oven. This dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, a rich and creamy sauce, and wholesome vegetables for a balanced and comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or make-ahead meal prep — it’s a classic that everyone loves!
🛒 Ingredients Explained
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded:
You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, boiled chicken breast, or even grilled chicken. Shredding it helps distribute the flavor evenly throughout the casserole.
1 cup long-grain white rice:
Long-grain rice holds its shape and stays fluffy after baking. Avoid using instant rice unless you reduce the baking time.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup:
This classic ingredient brings creaminess and depth of flavor. For a homemade alternative, you can use a simple roux made from butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth.
1 cup chicken broth:
Helps cook the rice while adding moisture and savory flavor to the dish. Use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn):
Adds color, nutrition, and a sweet pop of flavor. No need to thaw them — they’ll cook perfectly in the oven.
½ cup sour cream:
Adds richness and a subtle tang that balances the creamy sauce.
1 teaspoon garlic powder & 1 teaspoon onion powder:
These aromatics deepen the flavor without overpowering the dish. You can substitute with fresh garlic or onions if you prefer.
Salt and pepper to taste:
Essential for seasoning — taste the mixture before baking to adjust as needed.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional):
Melts into a golden, bubbly topping. For a lighter option, skip it or use part-skim mozzarella.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
Shredded chicken
Uncooked rice
Cream of chicken soup
Chicken broth
Frozen vegetables
Sour cream
Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
Stir until everything is evenly mixed and creamy.
- Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into your prepared dish, smoothing it out evenly.
If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it on top now for a melty golden finish.
- Bake
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the rice is tender and the top is slightly browned.
- Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving — this helps the sauce thicken and flavors meld together.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for color.
Serve alongside a green salad or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
Leftovers reheat beautifully — just add a splash of chicken broth before microwaving to restore creaminess.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freeze: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time (without baking), refrigerate overnight, and bake when ready.
🧠 FAQ: Common Questions Answered
Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes — but brown rice takes longer to cook. Increase the broth to 1½ cups and bake for 60–70 minutes total.
Q2: What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can make a quick homemade version: whisk together 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, 1 cup milk, and ½ cup chicken broth. Cook until thickened and season with salt, pepper, and a dash of poultry seasoning.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli florets. Just be sure to keep the total vegetable volume about 1 to 1½ cups.
Q4: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — use a dairy-free cream of chicken alternative (or coconut milk + cornstarch mixture) and skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute.
Q5: Why is my rice still hard after baking?
This usually happens if the casserole was baked uncovered too early or the oven runs cool. Always cover for the first 30 minutes and ensure there’s enough liquid (broth or water).
🧾 Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fat: 14 g
Fiber: 2 g
(Values may vary based on ingredients and cheese use.)
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
One-pan meal = easy cleanup
Comforting flavors everyone loves
Perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd
Customizable with different veggies, cheeses, or spices