Grandma’s Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight Recipe

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this hearty chicken & rice casserole that promises to warm your soul.

Tender chicken pieces nestled in a creamy rice casserole delight bring pure satisfaction to the dinner table.

Each forkful delivers a perfect blend of savory flavors and creamy textures.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe rises to the challenge with its simple yet delicious approach.

Home cooks will appreciate how easily this dish comes together with minimal prep time.

The golden, bubbling top hints at the delectable meal waiting beneath.

Dive into this comforting classic that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal everyone will love.

How To Cook Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight

• Oven Preparation

Set your oven to toasty warm at 375 degrees. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Flavor Fusion

Whisk together a creamy blend of savory liquids and seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently fold in tender chicken pieces and uncooked rice, creating a harmonious mixture that promises comfort and warmth.

• Casserole Assembly

Transfer the dreamy concoction into your prepared baking dish. Wrap the dish snugly with aluminum foil, creating a cozy environment for the ingredients to mingle and cook.

• Baking Magic

Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven. Let it transform for about 45 minutes, allowing the rice to become perfectly tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.

• Cheesy Finale

Uncover the casserole and sprinkle a generous layer of cheese across the top. For extra crunch, scatter buttery breadcrumbs if you’re feeling adventurous. Return to the oven until the cheese melts into golden, bubbly perfection.

• Serving Delight

Let the casserole rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle. Scoop out generous portions and watch as your family eagerly gathers around the table, drawn by the irresistible aroma.

Tricks To Make Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight Better

• Rice Texture Perfection: Use long-grain white rice for the best consistency. Short-grain or brown rice might require adjusted liquid and cooking times to prevent mushiness.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein like tofu for different flavor profiles. Vegetarians can use vegetable broth and meat substitute for a complete meal transformation.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove plastic, replace with foil, and bake slightly longer to compensate for chilled temperature.
• Diet-Friendly Adaptations: Create gluten-free versions by using cornstarch instead of flour-based cream of chicken soup. Dairy-free options include coconut milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Low-carb enthusiasts can substitute rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter dish.
• Flavor Boost Techniques: Enhance depth by sautéing onions and garlic before mixing into the casserole. Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and complexity. Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar or gruyère for unique taste profiles.

Serving Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight

• Fresh Green Side Salad: Complement the rich casserole with a crisp mixed greens salad topped with cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy dish.
• Zesty Vegetable Medley: Roast seasonal vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers with olive oil and herbs to add color, nutrition, and a crunchy texture alongside the creamy chicken rice.
• Tangy Coleslaw Crunch: Prepare a homemade coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing to provide a refreshing and cool contrast to the warm, hearty casserole.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Serve a chilled glass of unoaked Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio to enhance the creamy flavors and cut through the richness of the dish.

Storage Guide For Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety. Seal the casserole tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain its creamy texture.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. For best results, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out and maintain the original delicious consistency.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Wrap the casserole securely in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, labeling with the date and contents. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the dish's original taste and texture.
• Portion Prep Strategy: Divide the casserole into single-serving containers for quick weekday lunches or make-ahead meals. This method saves time, reduces waste, and provides convenient grab-and-go options for busy schedules.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50-60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

All You Need For Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight

• Chicken: Tender protein that forms the heart of the casserole, choose boneless skinless breasts for easiest preparation and most consistent texture.
• Chicken Broth: Adds deep flavor and moisture, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt content.

• Milk, Sour Cream, Cream of Chicken Soup: Create luscious, velvety sauce that holds the casserole together, select full-fat versions for richest flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Elevate the dish's taste profile, use freshly ground spices for maximum aromatic impact.

• Uncooked Rice: Absorbs liquid and creates hearty base, long-grain white rice works best for consistent cooking.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds golden, melty finish, choose sharp cheddar or blend for extra depth.
• Breadcrumbs, Butter: Creates crispy, golden crown that adds delightful crunch.

• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, fresh note and visual appeal to finished dish.

What Tools Work Best For Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for whisking and combining all wet ingredients smoothly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for creating this delicious casserole with even cooking.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending broth, milk, and soup mixture without lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure precise ingredient quantities for consistent flavor.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if shredding cheese from a block for fresher taste.
• Aluminum Foil: Needed to cover casserole during initial baking for proper rice cooking.
• Sharp Knife: Helpful for chopping parsley or preparing chicken if needed.

Comforting Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy chicken & rice casserole delight recipe from Southern kitchens. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising warmth and satisfaction for hungry family members who crave classic home cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (280 g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups (300 g) uncooked white rice
• 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
• 1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup (120 g) sour cream
• ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
• 2 tbsps melted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adherence.
2. Sauce Creation: Whisk chicken broth, milk, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into a velvety, harmonious liquid blend.
3. Mixture Integration: Combine uncooked rice and shredded chicken within the creamy sauce, ensuring complete and uniform coating of all ingredients.
4. Baking Setup: Carefully transfer the mixture into the prepared dish, distributing evenly to guarantee consistent cooking and optimal flavor penetration.
5. Moisture Sealing: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil, creating an airtight environment that promotes rice tenderness and prevents excessive moisture loss.
6. Primary Cooking Phase: Bake the covered casserole for 40-45 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and reach perfect textural consistency.
7. Cheese and Topping Application: Unveil the dish, lavishly sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface, and dust with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crisp, golden exterior.
8. Final Browning: Return the uncovered casserole to the oven for 10-15 minutes, monitoring the cheese’s bubbling and the breadcrumb topping’s transformation into a golden-brown crust.
9. Resting and Serving: Allow the casserole to rest briefly after removing from the oven, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish before serving.

Notes

• Prevent Rice Sticking: Stir rice occasionally during baking to ensure even cooking and prevent grains from clumping or burning at the bottom of the dish.
• Control Moisture Levels: If the casserole seems too dry, add extra chicken broth in small increments to maintain a creamy, moist consistency without making it soggy.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or jackfruit for dietary preferences or to use leftover proteins.
• Enhance Texture Variation: Toast breadcrumbs before sprinkling to intensify their nutty flavor and create an extra crispy, golden-brown topping that adds delightful crunch to the creamy casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg