Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s loaded with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce that brings everyone to the table. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole is quick to make and even quicker to disappear!
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser! It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough for special occasions. Plus, you can use leftover chicken or rice, making it a great way to clean out the fridge. It’s hearty, creamy, and satisfying—just what you need after a long day.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a tasty dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (if using topping)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, peas, carrots, onion, and celery.
- Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top.
- If using, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Serve this casserole hot right out of the oven. It’s great on its own or paired with a simple salad or some garlic bread. Everyone will love digging in!
How to Store Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- You can substitute broccoli or green beans for peas and carrots if you like.
- Feel free to use low-fat sour cream or chicken soup for a lighter version.
Variation
Try adding some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition! You can also mix in different types of cheese for a cheesy twist.
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots thawed
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs optional, for topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter if using topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, peas, carrots, onion, and celery.
- Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top.
- If using, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- You can substitute broccoli or green beans for peas and carrots if you like.
- Feel free to use low-fat sour cream or chicken soup for a lighter version.
Craving comfort food? 🍽️
Make our Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole tonight!
📸 Snap a photo and tag us with #CreamyCasseroleCravings on Instagram for a chance to be featured!
💬 What veggie swap would you use? Drop it in the comments on Facebook!
🍽️ You May Also Like
If you loved this casserole, here are more cozy meals to try:
- 🥘 Baked Chicken Chimichangas – Crispy, cheesy, and oven-baked!
- 🍝 Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta – Weeknight comfort in every bite.
- 🍚 Beef Tortellini Alfredo – Rich, creamy, and satisfying!
- 🥦 Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli – Sweet, savory, and protein-packed.
👉 Explore all our comfort food classics here.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it before serving.
2. Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze it before or after baking. Just make sure to cover it well. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
3. How do I know when it’s done?
It’s done when the top is bubbly and golden brown. You can also check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
