Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

There’s something truly special about a warm, creamy casserole that brings everyone together. Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite comfort food recipes: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole. This dish is a perfect blend of hearty ingredients, rich flavors, and ease of preparation that makes it a go-to for quick family dinners and cozy weeknight meals. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or rice, making it a practical choice for busy households.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for 30-minute meals
• Combines creamy textures with savory flavors
• Uses simple, accessible ingredients
• Great for meal prep or make-ahead dinners
• Comforting and satisfying for the whole family

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

• 2-3 cups cooked/shredded chicken (or diced cooked chicken)
• 1 package Lipton Onion soup mix
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups milk
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cups minute rice (uncooked)
• Salt/pepper to taste

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through the steps to create this creamy, comforting casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken, onion mix, cream of mushroom/chicken soup, milk, sour cream, water, rice, and salt/pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray.
4. Pour the chicken/rice mixture into the prepared pan.
5. Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and cook for 45 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly:

• For an extra burst of flavor, add some garlic powder or dried herbs to the mixture.
• Use leftover roasted chicken for added depth of flavor.
• If you prefer a crisper top, bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes.

How to Serve

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread. For a side dish, consider making a simple Best Garlic Mushroom Pasta or a Garlic Cauliflower Mushroom Skillet. If you’re a mushroom lover, don’t miss out on these Steakhouse Garlic Butter Mushrooms!

Make Ahead and Storage

This casserole is a great candidate for meal prep. You can prepare the mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

There you have it—a simple, satisfying recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for quick family dinners, easy pasta recipes, or just a hearty weeknight meal, this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is sure to become a favorite. Happy cooking!