Description
This Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight is the ultimate cozy dinner—made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice baked in one dish. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. Family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly adaptable, this easy casserole will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom/chicken combo)
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- ½ cup sour cream or softened cream cheese
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp paprika or Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix together rice, cream soup, broth, sour cream, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and seasoning.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish.
- Place chicken pieces on top and season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and rice is tender.
- (Optional) Uncover, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and return to oven for 5–10 minutes until melted.
- Let rest for a few minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version—just reduce bake time and liquid.
- Brown rice works too—add extra broth and extend cooking time.
- Stir in frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli before baking for added veggies.
- Top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.
- Easily made gluten-free with certified GF soup and ingredients.
