Indulge in this simple yet delicious chicken and rice casserole! Loaded with a rich, cheesy sauce and finished with a buttery breadcrumb topping, this dish is pure comfort food. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you need a warm, satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Meal – Everything bakes together for easy prep and cleanup.
- Super Creamy & Cheesy – A rich, velvety sauce makes every bite delicious.
- Great for Leftovers – Tastes just as good (or better) the next day!
- Kid-Friendly – Simple ingredients and cheesy goodness make it a family favorite.
- Customizable – Swap ingredients to fit your dietary needs or preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- Cooked white rice (or brown rice)
- Cream of chicken soup
- Milk
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Butter
- Panko breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Mixture – In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, rice, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, shredded cheese, and seasonings. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole – Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Topping – Melt the butter and mix it with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden brown topping.
- Garnish & Serve – Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Veggie Boost – Stir in cooked broccoli, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Different Cheese Options – Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for a new flavor twist.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and breadcrumbs.
- Low-Carb Version – Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use uncooked rice?
No, this recipe requires pre-cooked rice for the best texture.
What’s the best type of chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken, or even canned chicken all work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use a different soup?
Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be substituted for a different flavor.
How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
Make sure to use enough milk and sour cream to keep it moist, and cover it with foil if reheating.
Can I add bacon?
Absolutely! Crumbled bacon adds extra flavor and crunch.
What can I serve with this casserole?
A simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pairs well.
Can I use a different topping?
Yes! Try crushed Ritz crackers, cornflakes, or extra cheese instead of breadcrumbs.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, just be sure to wrap it tightly before freezing.
Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, but make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing into the casserole.
Conclusion
This creamy, cheesy chicken and rice bake is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors, crispy topping, and endless customization options, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal!
Print
Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this simple yet delicious Chicken and Rice Casserole, loaded with a rich, cheesy sauce and topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust. The perfect comfort food for a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Casserole:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Stir until well mixed.
- Assemble & Top:
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top.
- Make the Buttery Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
- Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for extra flavor!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Swap in broccoli or peas for added veggies.
- Make ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
