Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole (Print View)
Tender chicken and fluffy rice baked in a creamy cheddar sauce until golden—comforting, easy, and crowd-pleasing.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (approximately 2 large breasts)
→ Rice
02 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables), thawed
→ Dairy & Cheese
06 - 1 cup sour cream
07 - 1 and 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
08 - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
09 - 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
→ Liquids
10 - 2 and 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Spices & Seasonings
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
15 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish using unsalted butter or nonstick spray.
02 - In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
03 - Transfer sautéed onion and garlic to a large mixing bowl. Add cooked chicken, uncooked rice, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, low-sodium chicken broth, peas and carrots, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir until evenly incorporated.
04 - Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
05 - Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.
06 - Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes prior to serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- It delivers hearty comfort and melted cheese with less fuss than most baked dishes.
- Even picky eaters always go back for seconds, making it foolproof for gatherings.
02 -
- If you rush and dump in the rice without rinsing, the texture can turn gluey instead of fluffy.
- Adding the mozzarella was a game changer—it creates melting little cheese veins through the center.
03 -
- Cover tightly with foil for the first bake or the rice can dry out by the edges.
- Pull the dish from the oven just as the cheese bubbles and turns lightly golden for the best texture.