I’m so excited to share this Creamy, Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole with you today! It’s one of those magical one-dish wonders that somehow manages to be both incredibly comforting and ridiculously simple. There’s something about the combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and that blanket of melted cheese that makes everyone at the table happy. Want to know my secret for getting this family favorite on the table even on my busiest nights? Well, it all starts with a few pantry staples and a foolproof method…
Why You’ll Love this Creamy, Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole
Comfort food at its finest! I’m talking about a one-dish wonder that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese into something magical.
What’s not to love about a dinner that practically makes itself? While you relax, your oven does all the heavy lifting.
The creamy texture hits that perfect spot between indulgent and homey. Kids gobble it up, picky eaters ask for seconds, and you’ll have minimal dishes to wash.
Plus, those leftovers? Even better the next day, when the flavors have had time to mingle.
What Ingredients are in Creamy, Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole?
This comforting casserole relies on simple, hearty ingredients that work together to create something truly magical in the oven.
- 2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
- 3 chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to customize this recipe to your family’s taste—maybe add some frozen peas or carrots for color, swap in different cheese varieties, or use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme as a finishing touch before serving.
How to Make this Creamy, Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and gather all your ingredients on the counter.
Nothing worse than getting halfway through assembly and realizing you’re missing something essential.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray.
This will make cleanup so much easier later when you’re enjoying your meal instead of scrubbing stuck-on cheese.
Using a premium bakeware set will ensure even heating and perfect results for your casserole.
Step 3: Layer the Rice
Spread 2 cups of uncooked long grain white rice evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
The rice forms the foundation of our casserole and will soak up all those amazing flavors.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Place 3 chicken breasts (halved lengthwise) on top of the rice layer.
Wondering why we halve them? Thinner pieces cook more evenly and faster in the casserole.
Step 5: Mix and Pour the Liquid Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 2 cans of condensed cream of chicken soup, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of milk, and 1 packet of onion soup mix.
Stir until well blended, then pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and rice.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole, saving ½ cup for later.
The cheese inside the casserole melts into all the nooks and crannies for that perfect creamy texture.
Step 7: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour at 350°F.
The covered baking allows the rice to steam properly and the chicken to cook through completely.
Step 8: Final Cheese Topping
Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
This creates that beautiful golden, bubbly cheese topping that’s honestly the best part, if we’re being real.
What to Serve with Creamy, Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole
This hearty dinner superstar practically begs for something fresh to balance all that creamy goodness. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly, while roasted asparagus or broccoli provides that satisfying veggie crunch.
For bread lovers, garlic bread is non-negotiable for sopping up every last bit of that cheesy sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio makes this weeknight dinner feel special.
And don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top—parsley or chives add that pop of color and freshness that takes this comfort food classic to the next level. Green beans with almonds work beautifully too if you’re stretching it for company.
Creamy, Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole Substitutions and Variations
Make this comforting casserole work with what you have on hand:
- Rice options: Brown rice adds nutty flavor (add 15 minutes to cook time), or try wild rice blend for texture. Quinoa works for a protein boost.
- Protein swaps: Rotisserie chicken saves time. Turkey, sausage, or even chickpeas make delicious alternatives.
- Dietary needs: Use gluten-free cream soup, dairy-free cheese, and plant milk for allergies. Vegetarians can skip chicken and double up on vegetables.
- Flavor boosters: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or Italian herbs for dimension.
- Topping ideas: Crispy fried onions, buttered breadcrumbs, or crushed potato chips create texture contrast.
- Creamy element: Greek yogurt can replace half the soup for tanginess and fewer calories. Who knew comfort food could be so flexible?
Leftovers and Storage for this Creamy, Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole
This casserole might actually taste better the next day when all those flavors have had time to mingle and get cozy with each other.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, this casserole freezes beautifully. Portion into individual servings, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Your future self will thank you on busy weeknights!
When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to prevent drying out. Cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through.
For quicker results, microwave at 70% power, stirring halfway through. The rice might absorb more liquid overnight, so don’t be afraid to add a bit more moisture when reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole has that magical quality that only comes from simple ingredients transforming into something greater than their parts.
The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and that blanket of melted cheese creates a dish that speaks directly to the comfort food lover in all of us.
It’s the ideal meal for busy weeknights when you need something substantial but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Just assemble, bake, and let the oven work its magic.
There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling a bubbling casserole from the oven and knowing that dinner—complete with protein, starch, and creamy goodness—is ready to nourish your family all in one dish.