Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting, one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness combine to create a satisfying dish the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 cups uncooked white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans cream of celery soup (10.5 ounces each)
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of celery soup, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the uncooked rice and cubed chicken to the sauce mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until all ingredients are well coated.
4. Step 4: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with aluminum foil to trap moisture.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 70 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Step 6: Remove the foil and sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
7. Step 7: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté the cubed chicken in a little oil before mixing it with the sauce.
• Swap cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken for different tastes.
• Add chopped vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder, tangier finish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover loosely with foil to keep moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so adjustments in cooking time and broth quantity are needed. If using brown rice, partially cook it beforehand or increase the baking time accordingly.

Is it possible to freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 112 reviews

This creamy chicken rice casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender cubed chicken, fluffy white rice, and a rich cream of celery soup base, all baked together and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines easy preparation with delicious, homestyle flavors.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

Grains

• 2 cups uncooked white rice

Liquids and Soup

• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans cream of celery soup (10.5 ounces each)
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Seasonings and Cheese

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using non-stick spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
2. Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of chicken broth, 2 cans of cream of celery soup, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
3. Combine the Ingredients: Add 2 cups of uncooked white rice and the cubed chicken breasts to the sauce mixture. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir everything together until the chicken and rice are fully coated with the sauce.
4. Transfer to the Baking Dish: Pour the prepared chicken and rice mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture during baking.
5. Bake the Casserole: Place the covered baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 70 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil; at this point, the rice should be tender and the chicken fully cooked through.
6. Add the Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and develop a golden-brown crust.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the dish set for easier serving. Serve warm alongside a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• Ensure the chicken is cubed evenly for uniform cooking.
• Covering the dish with foil is crucial to prevent the rice from drying out during the long baking time.
• You can substitute cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup if preferred.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and low-sodium chicken broth.

Keywords: chicken casserole, creamy chicken rice, baked chicken and rice, comfort food, cheddar cheese casserole