Gather around the table and get ready for a cozy, comforting feast with this Creamy Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole. This epic dish is a delicious blend of juicy chicken, melty cheddar, and fluffy rice, all baked to golden, crispy perfection. It’s the ultimate in comfort food, perfect for chilly nights when you crave a warm, satisfying meal that brings people together.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole
This Creamy Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, packed with zesty, bright flavors and a lush, velvety texture. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory rice creates a hearty, indulgent dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for comfort. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and bakes up with a gorgeous, golden-brown crust on top. This casserole is the perfect way to gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy a cozy, satisfying meal together.
Ingredients
This Creamy Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole features a simple, yet flavor-packed ingredient list. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, long-grain white rice, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and a few basic seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups – Cooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) – Cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup – Sour cream
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts (for a richer flavor).
- Cheese: Try a blend of cheddar and Parmesan or pepper jack for a little extra kick.
How to Make Creamy Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole
Begin by preheating your oven and lightly greasing a large baking dish. Then, dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set them aside. Cook the rice according to package instructions, and in a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven and lightly greasing a large baking dish. Then, dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set them aside. Cook the rice according to package instructions, and in a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked rice, diced chicken, and the creamy soup mixture. Top it all off with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are crispy and golden brown.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then serve it hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or green onions, if desired. Enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of this Creamy Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Creamy: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or heavy cream to the soup mixture.
- More Veggies: Mix in steamed broccoli, frozen peas, or diced bell peppers.
- One-Dish Meal: Add diced carrots or mushrooms to make it a complete meal.
- Crispy Topping: Sprinkle crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, comforting meal.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it, unbaked, for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Nutrition Information
This Creamy Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comfort food classic, but it can still be part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a good amount of protein from the chicken, as well as complex carbohydrates from the rice. The cheddar cheese and creamy sauce add a boost of flavor and creaminess, while the seasonings provide a zesty, aromatic touch.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 33 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of rice?
Absolutely! While long-grain white rice works great in this recipe, you can also use brown rice, wild rice, or even a rice blend for a different texture and flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it, unbaked, for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Can I use pre-cooked or leftover chicken?
Definitely! Using pre-cooked or leftover chicken is a great time-saving hack. Just be sure to dice or shred the chicken before adding it to the casserole.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole is very versatile, so feel free to mix in your favorite veggies, such as broccoli, peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
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Creamy Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole for Cozy Nights
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A warm and comforting casserole filled with tender chicken, creamy cheddar cheese, and fluffy rice, perfect for cozy nights.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, milk, and frozen peas and carrots.
3. 3. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. 4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. 5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. 6. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. 7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken, rice, casserole, cheddar, comfort food