Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

Chicken and Rice Casserole is one of those comfort dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. With tender chicken and creamy rice, it brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s both satisfying and soul soothing.

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a Vodka Margarita and a fresh Keto Broccoli Salad, creating the perfect balance of rich and refreshing.

The tangy, citrusy margarita cuts through the creamy texture of the casserole, while the crisp, crunch of the broccoli salad adds the ideal contrast.

So, grab a plate, dig in, and discover how comforting yet adventurous this recipe can truly be.

Behind the Recipe

I grew up eating versions of this casserole at family gatherings where everyone brought something comforting. When I started making it myself, I appreciated how good it is. You can assemble everything directly in the baking dish, and the oven does the work.

Over time, I found that adding butter pats on top makes the rice extra soft and gives the whole casserole a deeper, richer flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Recipe?

• I first discovered this casserole while traveling through the southern U.S., where the warmth of its flavor mirrored the region’s hospitality. Now, it’s a go-to dish in my kitchen.
• It fits perfectly into my busy lifestyle easy to prep and even better as leftovers. I’ve been known to add a bit of hot sauce for a fun twist.
• Over time, I’ve swapped in various veggies mushrooms, bell peppers depending on what’s in season. The casserole never disappoints.
• An unexpected benefit? It’s surprisingly filling without being too heavy. Great for weight loss when balanced with lighter sides!
• It tastes good, no matter how you tweak it always comforting and hearty.

Made this chicken and rice casserole last night and it was a total hit! The chicken was super tender and the rice soaked up all that creamy, comforting flavor. It felt like the kind of meal you’d get at mom’s house. So easy to throw together too—this will definitely be a weeknight regular for us.

— Brian Cooper, Texas

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Chicken and rice casseroles became popular in mid-century American kitchens when convenience foods like canned soups and instant rice were becoming staples. These recipes promised hearty, filling meals with minimal effort something busy families loved.

Over time, hundreds of variations developed, but the heart of the dish stayed the same: chicken, rice, and a creamy sauce baked together until soft and comforting.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use instant rice only — regular rice won’t fully cook.
2. Don’t skip seasoning; the casseroles can be mild without added salt and pepper.
3. Keep chicken pieces evenly sized so they cook at the same rate.
4. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking — it thickens beautifully.
5. For extra flavor, add paprika or garlic powder to the soup mixture.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

1. Casserole dish
2. Oven
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife (for cutting butter)
5. Cutting board
6. Mixing spoon

Ingredients That Build This Flavorful Casserole

• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• ½ cup butter, sliced into pats
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup
• 3 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups water
• 1 can of cream of celery soup
• 2 cups instant white rice

Ingredient Substitutions

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Use cream of potato or extra cream of mushroom.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Replace with cream of celery or cream of onion.
• Water: Use chicken broth for deeper flavor.
• Instant white rice: Swap for instant brown rice (will add slight nuttiness).
• Chicken breasts: Use thighs, leftover roasted chicken, or turkey.
• Butter: Use olive oil or omit for a lighter version.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cream Soups:
These classic pantry staples are key to this casserole’s signature texture. When baked with rice and chicken, they turn into a thick, savory sauce that keeps everything moist and flavorful.

Instant Rice:
Instant rice is essential because it absorbs moisture quickly without overcooking the chicken. It ensures a perfectly soft, cohesive casserole.

Instructions for Making This Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a casserole dish.

Step 2: In the prepared dish, stir together the chicken, water, rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and cream of mushroom soup.

Step 3: Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Dot the top of the mixture with butter.

Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1.5 hours, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 6: Let the casserole cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, 6 servings)

Nutrition	Value
Calories	411kcal
Carbohydrates	24g
Fibre	1g
Fat	24g
Protein	24g
Cholesterol	100g

Texture & Flavor Secrets

• The three cream soups together create a balanced, savory flavor.
• Butter melts into the rice, giving it an ultra-creamy texture.
• Cubing the chicken ensures faster, more even cooking.
• Resting time helps the sauce settle and prevents excess moisture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Add a pinch of paprika on top for color and flavor.
• Substitute half the water with cream for richer sauce.
• Stir halfway through if you want the chicken more evenly distributed.
• Mix frozen vegetables (peas, carrots) in for a complete one-pan meal.

What to Avoid

1. Don’t use uncooked long-grain rice; it will remain hard.
2. Avoid cutting chicken pieces too large — they may not cook fully.
3. Don’t skip seasoning; canned soups need added salt and pepper.
4. Avoid overbaking — it may dry out the rice.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
• Total Time: 55–65 minutes

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

• Assemble up to 12 hours ahead and refrigerate (increase cook time slightly).
• Store leftovers for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
• Reheat in the oven at 300°F or microwave in small portions.
• Freezing is possible but may slightly change texture due to dairy.

What To Serve With the Recipe

• Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo
• Popeyes Chicken Sandwich
• Gordon Ramsay Chicken Tikka Masala
• Caribbean Chicken And Rice Recipe
• Garlic Butter Chicken

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Add broth to turn it into a creamy chicken and rice soup.
• Stuff into bell peppers and bake.
• Pan-fry leftovers for a crispy-bottomed rice dish.
• Wrap in tortillas with cheese for quick burritos.

Additional Tips

• Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
• Use rotisserie chicken to speed up prep time.
• Stir in shredded cheddar for a cheesy version.
• Add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.

Make It a Showstopper

Top with fresh herbs like parsley or chives and bake until the surface is lightly golden. Serve in a deep casserole dish with a spoon tucked in — classic, cozy, and inviting for family-style dinners.

Variations to Try

1. Cheesy Chicken & Rice: Add cheddar on top before baking.
2. Vegetable Mix-In: Add peas, carrots, or broccoli.
3. Herb-Infused: Mix in thyme or parsley.
4. Rotisserie Shortcut: Use cooked shredded chicken instead of cubed.
5. Creamier Style: Replace half the water with heavy cream.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular rice instead of instant?
   Not recommended, it won’t fully cook.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, they stay juicy and work well.
3. Can I reduce the sodium?
   Use low-sodium soups or half water/half broth.
4. Can I add vegetables?
   Yes, frozen peas or carrots mix in easily.
5. Why is my casserole runny?
   It may need a longer rest or more bake time.
6. Can I freeze this?
   Yes, though the texture may soften slightly.
7. Should I cover the casserole while baking?
   Covering helps the rice steam recommended for the first half.
8. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, use two baking dishes for even cooking.
9. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Only with dairy-free cream soup substitutes.
10. Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
    Yes, just fold it in and bake until heated through.