Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe - 1 Chicken and Rice Casserole - 2 Chicken and Rice Casserole - 3

This old-fashioned chicken and rice casserole is a heartwarming classic fit for a crowd.

Simple, hearty, and affordable, it’s everything a casserole should be.

Tender chicken and creamy rice pack it with comforting flavors. It’s rich, savory, and tastes like grandma’s cooking.

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Chicken and Rice Casserole

This filling chicken casserole calls for pantry staples and a casserole dish. That’s it.

No matter the occasion, it’s a big win.

This one-dish meal is made with simple ingredients. All you need is chicken and a handful of pantry staples. Three types of canned soup make it delightfully creamy. Meanwhile, the instant white rice absorbs all that goodness, making it super comforting.

Whip it up for family dinners or serve it at a potluck. It’s a universal crowd-pleaser the whole family will love.

Chicken, white rice, water, cream of chicken, celery and mushroom soup, salt, pepper and butter on white bowls. - 5

Ingredients

  • Chicken. Boneless breasts are the easiest to work with. But you can also use drumsticks, thighs, shredded, or frozen chicken . For convenience, leftover chicken and rotisserie chicken work well, too.

  • Instant white rice. It cooks faster than regular rice. Use brown rice if you prefer. Just be sure to add more water and increase the baking time.

  • Water. Two cups are necessary for the rice to cook properly.

  • Cream of chicken soup. It’s a quick fix for making it creamy and savory.

  • Cream of celery soup. It adds a boost of creamy goodness and veggies.

  • Cream of mushroom soup. Another shortcut for flavoring that adds an umami twist.

  • Salt and pepper. These two are standard for proper seasoning.

  • Butter. The key ingredient for making it oh-so-rich!

How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole

What I love about this casserole is it’s so fuss-free. Just dump it, bake it, and enjoy!

Here are the steps:

  1. Grease the casserole dish. Use butter or cooking spray to coat the bottom and sides. 2. Prep the rice. Add the rice, canned soups, water, salt, and pepper to the casserole dish. Give it a good stir to coat the rice and ensure everything is well combined. 3. Add the chicken. Mix the chicken in the rice mixture and top it with butter. 4. Bake the casserole. About 1 hour at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown. Adjust the time as needed to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
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Tips for the Best Chicken and Rice Casserole

  • For juicy chicken, use bone-in chicken. Thighs or drumsticks won’t dry out like other cuts. Plus, they create a nice presentation.

  • Mix the rice before adding the meat. It’s a simple step to en sure the rice gets coated evenly.

  • Top it with fresh herbs or scallions . They both add a burst of freshness.

  • Turn it into a make-ahead casserole. Do all the prep work a day in advance. Then, bake it when it’s time to eat.

  • Make it in the Instant Pot. It speeds up the cooking time and it’s just as easy. Just reduce the amount of water and use only one soup.

Recipe Variations

Looking to mix things up a bit? Try different variations.

You can make all kinds of substitutions to tailor the casserole to your liking. Here are a handful of ideas:

  • Use a different protein. Turkey is a great lean protein substitute. You can also use ham, sausage, or ground beef .

  • Make it vegetarian-friendly. Skip the canned cream of chicken soup. Also, swap out the meat for a plant-based protein.

  • Add frozen veggies for a nutrition boost. Broccoli, bell peppers , mushrooms, peas, any kind you like. Fresh veggies work, too.

  • Make it cheesy. Sprinkle some grated cheddar cheese on top to make it extra yummy.

  • Try different spices. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne boosts flavor.

  • Turn it into a low-sodium casserole. Use low-sodium soups and low-sodium chicken.

  • Mix and match the soups. Use different combinations of canned cream soups. Just be sure to use three cans.

  • Adjust the amount of butter. If you like your meals less rich, use less butter.

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How to Store

Have leftovers? No problem!

To Store: Place cold leftovers in an air-tight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. To Reheat: Add a splash of water or chicken broth and microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until hot. Bake larger portions at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.

Note: I don’t recommend freezing this casserole. The dairy won’t thaw well, and it will turn watery.

More Chicken Casseroles To Try

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Dorito Chicken Casserole Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Crack Chicken Casserole

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Chicken and Rice Casserole

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This recipe for chicken and rice casserole never goes out of style! Made with just 8 ingredients, it’s a hearty dinner you’ll love.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups instant white rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 canned cream of chicken soup
  • 1 canned cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 canned cream of celery soup
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 Boneless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1/2 cup butter, sliced
  • Cooking spray or butter for greasing

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
  • Add the rice, water, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, celery soup, salt, and pepper to the casserole dish. Stir it until well combined.
  • Mix the chicken with the rice mixture until well coated.
  • Place the sliced butter on top of the casserole. Be sure to spread out the slices evenly.
  • Bake it for about 1 hour or until golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve it and enjoy!
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