Creamy Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

Creamy Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole – A One-Pan Comfort Classic

Sometimes, you just need a simple, hearty meal that brings the family together around the dinner table. Enter the Creamy Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole! This easy, one-pan recipe is a weeknight winner, combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a luscious, creamy sauce, all baked to perfection. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the ultimate comfort food that never fails to please.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash means more time to relax after dinner.
Kid-Friendly: The creamy, savory flavors make this dish a favorite for the whole family.
Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or seasonings to make it your own.
Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd with ease.

Ingredients for Creamy Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole (Serves 6-8)

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Casserole Base

Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, milk, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Stir until well mixed and transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish.

3. Season the Chicken

Season Well: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried parsley.
Arrange in Casserole: Nestle the seasoned chicken pieces into the rice mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged.

4. Add Butter and Optional Cheese

Drizzle Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the chicken and rice.
Optional Cheese: If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top for a golden, cheesy crust.

5. Bake the Casserole

Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50-60 minutes.
Uncover and Finish: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the rice is tender.

6. Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Creamy Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

Use Long-Grain Rice: Short-grain rice can become too mushy, so stick to long-grain white rice or basmati for the best texture.
Try Different Soups: Swap out the cream of mushroom or celery soup with cream of chicken or even cream of broccoli for a different flavor.
Veggie Boost: Add frozen peas, chopped carrots, or sliced mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

Variations to Customize Your Casserole

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
Herb Lovers: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill make great additions to the creamy base.
Cheesy Delight: Mix in more cheese or use different kinds, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a cheesy twist.

Storing & Reheating Creamy Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: This casserole freezes well! Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for individual servings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but note that brown rice takes longer to cook and may require additional liquid and baking time.

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken pieces?
Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble everything in the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

This Creamy Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole is comfort food at its finest. It’s warm, creamy, and full of flavors that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to customize, making it a versatile dish you can enjoy year-round. Perfect for those nights when you crave a cozy, no-fuss meal!

Share Your Creations! 🍗🍚

Did you make this Creamy Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole? Tag @FebkamCooking on social media and let us know how it turned out! We’d love to see your delicious results and hear your feedback.

Creamy Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole