Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in comfort and brings everyone to the table with smiles, look no further than this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole. Rich, savory, and loaded with tender chicken and fluffy rice, this classic baked casserole gets its dreamy texture from a blend of soups, milk, and sour cream, all infused with the irresistible flavor of onion soup mix. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, but delicious enough to take center stage at a family gathering. One bite and you’ll understand why this is a perennial favorite in so many kitchens!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t need anything fancy to whip up this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole, but each ingredient adds its own special magic. From the juicy chicken to that creamy sauce, these staples come together for a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and perfectly fuss-free.
- Cooked/shredded chicken (2-3 cups): Rotisserie chicken works beautifully, but any leftover chicken is just as good—make sure it’s tender for the best texture.
- Lipton Onion soup mix (1 package): This packs the casserole with deep, savory flavor and a hint of oniony warmth.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can): Adds earthy undertones and a creamy consistency.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can): Gives extra richness and intensifies the savory chicken flavor.
- Milk (2 cups): Helps create a luscious, velvety sauce that soaks into the rice.
- Sour cream (3/4 cup): Delivers a tangy depth and ultra-creamy texture to the casserole.
- Water (1/2 cup): Thins out the mixture just enough to ensure perfectly tender rice.
- Minute rice, uncooked (2 cups): The secret to quick and fluffy results every time.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Let your taste buds guide you for just the right balance.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set the stage for casserole perfection by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Getting the oven hot before your pan goes in ensures even cooking and that irresistible golden finish on top.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine your cooked chicken, Lipton Onion soup mix, both cans of soup, milk, sour cream, water, minute rice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed—don’t be afraid to get in there! This step melds all those creamy, savory flavors that make this casserole so beloved.
Step 3: Prepare Your Pan
Generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This little step makes clean-up a breeze and keeps all that creamy goodness from sticking to the pan. Now’s the moment to pour your chicken and rice mixture right into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 4: Cover and Bake
Cover your pan tightly with aluminum foil to keep all the steam inside—that’s the secret to perfectly tender rice! Pop the pan into your preheated oven and let it bake for 45 minutes. You’ll start smelling those comforting aromas before long.
Step 5: Finish Baking
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Slide the casserole back into the oven for an additional 15 minutes. This last stretch gives the top a pretty, lightly golden finish and lets any excess moisture evaporate for the perfect creamy-but-not-soupy texture.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Take the casserole out of the oven, let it rest for just a few minutes, then dish it up while it’s still bubbling hot. Whether you’re piling it onto plates or serving it straight from the pan at the table, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Garnishes
Sprinkling on fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions right before serving adds a pop of color and a touch of brightness that perfectly balances the creamy richness of the casserole. For a bit more crunch and flavor, you could even add a handful of crispy fried onions just as you pull it from the oven.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables if you want to round out the meal. Warm dinner rolls or a crusty baguette on the side make excellent companions for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for an elevated touch at your next potluck or dinner party. You can also bake the casserole in a cast iron skillet for rustic appeal, or top it with shredded cheddar during the last 10 minutes of baking for a delicious cheesy crust. However you decide to serve it, this dish always feels special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole keeps really well in the fridge, which makes it perfect for meal prep or busy nights. Simply transfer any extras into an airtight container and refrigerate—they’ll keep for up to four days without losing their creamy texture.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead or prep a double batch, this casserole freezes beautifully. Cool it completely, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil (or use a freezer-safe container), and store for up to three months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.
Reheating
To warm things up, gently reheat individual portions of Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole in the microwave until piping hot. For larger amounts, cover the pan with foil and bake in a 325-degree oven until heated through. If the casserole looks a bit thick, stir in a splash of milk before reheating to bring back its signature creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of minute rice?
While you can swap in brown rice for a nuttier flavor, keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. If you try this, partially cook the brown rice first and be prepared to adjust the baking time.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Peas, corn, diced carrots, or chopped broccoli all work beautifully in Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole. Stir them in with the other ingredients before baking to make this dish even more satisfying.
What’s the best type of chicken to use?
Any cooked chicken works—rotisserie, leftover roasted, or even poached—just make sure it’s shredded or diced small so every bite gets a bit of chicken. Using rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and makes prep even easier.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix everything together and assemble the casserole the night before. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, and simply pop it into the oven as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the cold start.
What can I use instead of Lipton Onion soup mix?
If you don’t have the soup mix, try substituting with a combination of dried onion flakes, a little beef bouillon, onion powder, and dried parsley. It might not be exactly the same, but it still gives wonderful flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like gathering your favorite people around the table for a hearty, homemade dish, and this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is guaranteed to bring everyone together. Try it once and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again—happy cooking!
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Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy chicken and rice casserole that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy family dinner. This dish combines tender chicken, rice, and a creamy sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2–3 cups cooked/shredded chicken *or diced cooked chicken
Sauce:
- 1 package Lipton Onion soup mix
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups milk
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ cup water
Other:
- 2 cups minute rice *uncooked
- Salt/pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray.
- Pour chicken/rice mixture into prepared pan.
- Cover pan with aluminum foil.
- Place pan in preheated oven and cook for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and cook an additional 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and serve! Enjoy!
In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken, onion mix, cream of mushroom/chicken soup, milk, sour cream, water, rice, and salt/pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken and rice casserole, creamy casserole, comfort food, family dinner
