Simply Divine Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort blends deliciously with a classic creamy chicken and rice casserole that promises warm, satisfying flavors in every bite.

This hearty dish combines tender chicken and fluffy rice with a rich, velvety sauce that melts in your mouth.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients can create such a magical meal.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become something special with this one-pan wonder.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of creamy texture and savory goodness.

The recipe transforms basic ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that sparks smiles around the dinner table.

Dive into this comforting recipe and experience a homestyle classic that never disappoints.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 520 kcal

Servings: 5

Candy Bubble Bliss Ingredients You’ll Love

• Uncooked Rice: Creates the hearty foundation, choose long-grain white rice for best texture and even cooking.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses rich flavor and helps cook the rice, select low-sodium for better control of saltiness.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and softens the dish, whole milk provides the best richness.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Delivers smooth consistency and deep savory notes, opt for low-sodium varieties.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Brings robust background flavors, use fresh ground for maximum taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances overall taste profile, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper recommended.

• Cooked Chicken: Provides substantial protein, use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for convenience.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creates melty, tangy layers, select sharp cheddar for intense flavor.
• Peas, Carrots: Adds nutritional value and vibrant color, frozen mixed vegetables work perfectly.

• Breadcrumbs, Ritz Crackers: Creates crispy golden crust, panko breadcrumbs offer extra crunchiness.
• Melted Butter: Helps topping brown and adds richness, unsalted butter recommended.

Everything To Grab For Candy Bubble Bliss

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining rice, chicken, vegetables, and seasonings with plenty of stirring space.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for assembling and baking the entire casserole evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately portioning ingredients like broth, milk, and spices.
• Small Bowl: Handy for mixing breadcrumb topping with melted butter.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing ingredients smoothly without scratching your bowl.
• Aluminum Foil: Needed to cover the casserole during initial baking to prevent burning.

Steps To Whip Up Candy Bubble Bliss

• Cozy Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen by setting the oven to a toasty 375F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick butter or oil massage to prevent sticking.

• Comfort Mix

Grab a big mixing bowl and create a magical blend of rice, creamy soup, and savory seasonings. Toss in tender chicken pieces, colorful vegetables, and a sprinkle of cheesy goodness. Stir everything together until it looks like a hearty hug in a bowl.

• Casserole Assembly

Pour the delightful mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly like a cozy blanket. Top the creation with a crispy breadcrumb layer that’ll add a delicious crunch.

• Baking Magic

Cover the dish with foil, creating a steamy environment for the ingredients to mingle and soften. Pop it into the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. Then, unveil the casserole and let it crisp up for an additional 15-20 minutes until it’s golden and bubbling with excitement.

• Serving Moment

Let the casserole rest and cool down for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the warm, comforting meal that’s perfect for bringing everyone together.

Fun Extras For Candy Bubble Bliss

• Perfect Rice Texture: Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that absorb flavors beautifully without becoming mushy.
• Protein Swap Magic: Replace chicken with turkey, shredded beef, or tofu for delightful alternative protein options that keep the dish exciting and adaptable to different dietary preferences.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers, and choose certified gluten-free rice to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Veggie Boost Technique: Experiment with additional vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors and textures to the classic casserole.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing busy home cooks to plan ahead and enjoy a stress-free meal preparation.

Serve Candy Bubble Bliss With A Smile

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty casserole as a comforting main dish with everyone gathered around the table, enjoying warm conversation and delicious food.
• Family-Style Side Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or steamed asparagus to add fresh vegetable contrast and balance the creamy richness of the casserole.
• Potluck Party Perfection: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings where everyone loves a classic, satisfying meal that travels well and feeds a hungry group with minimal fuss.
• Weekend Meal Prep Magic: Make extra portions to package into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners during busy weekdays, ensuring a delicious homemade meal is always ready.

Store Candy Bubble Bliss Sweetly

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Storage: Pack portions in sealed freezer bags or containers, maintaining quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm individual servings in microwave with splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350F, covered with foil to prevent drying.
• Ingredient Separation Tip: Keep breadcrumb topping separate when storing to maintain crispness. Add fresh crumbs when reheating for optimal texture and crunch.

Hearty Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Heartwarming chicken and rice casserole combines comfort and flavor in one delightful dish. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a memorable meal that brings families together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (450 g / 16 oz) cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fl oz) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 cup (200 g) uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
• ½ cup (75 g) diced carrots
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 tbsps butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Calibrate oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent adhesion.
2. Mixture Creation: Blend uncooked rice, chicken broth, milk, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into a harmonious base. Incorporate shredded chicken, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, peas, and carrots, stirring until ingredients meld seamlessly into a cohesive mixture.
3. Assembly and Topping: Pour the creamy concoction into the prepared dish, spreading evenly. Craft a crisp golden layer by mixing breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers) with melted butter, then sprinkle generously across the surface for a delectable crunch.
4. Baking Technique: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, then remove foil and continue cooking 15-20 minutes until the top transforms to a rich golden-brown and rice reaches perfect tenderness.
5. Serving Preparation: Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes, permitting flavors to consolidate and texture to stabilize before presenting this comforting culinary creation.

Notes

• Adjust Rice Moisture: Control liquid ratios carefully to prevent dry or soggy rice, ensuring perfect texture by adding slightly more broth if rice seems underhydrated during baking.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary preferences while maintaining similar cooking techniques.
• Optimize Vegetable Freshness: Consider using frozen vegetables for consistent texture or fresh seasonal produce for enhanced flavor complexity and nutritional value.
• Enhance Topping Crunch: Experiment with different breadcrumb varieties like panko or seasoned crumbs to create varied textural experiences and elevate the casserole’s overall appeal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg