Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole

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.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

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!