This Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken with creamy, cheesy goodness and fluffy rice. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to feed the family. The recipe is straightforward, using simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, and the result is a satisfying dish packed with flavor. Let’s get started on how to make this delightful casserole!
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed: The chicken will provide the protein and heartiness to the dish.
- 2 cups uncooked white rice: The rice will absorb the flavors of the broth and soup, becoming creamy and fluffy as it bakes.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Adds moisture and enhances the flavor of the rice and chicken.
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of celery soup: Cream of celery soup adds creaminess and a hint of celery flavor, tying the casserole together.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Helps to add richness and depth of flavor to the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a savory, garlicky background note that enhances the dish.
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese: The cheddar cheese gives the casserole a delicious, melty finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and enhances the flavors of the dish.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Set aside. If you prefer, you can season the chicken with additional spices like paprika or onion powder for extra flavor.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked white rice, cream of celery soup, chicken broth, melted butter, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. The chicken broth will help cook the rice while the cream of celery soup provides a rich, creamy texture.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place the cubed chicken on top of the rice mixture, ensuring that the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the casserole. You can gently press the chicken into the rice mixture to make sure it gets covered and cooks evenly.
5. Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and rice mixture. This will give the casserole a golden, cheesy topping that’s irresistible when baked.
6. Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture inside as the rice cooks. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the rice is tender, and the liquid has been absorbed.
- After 50 minutes, check the casserole to ensure the rice is fully cooked. If there’s still too much liquid, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes uncovered, allowing the liquid to evaporate and the top to become golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Once fully baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. You can garnish the top with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the creamy chicken rice casserole while it’s warm and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness.
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole:
- Cooking Time: Depending on the type of rice you use, the cooking time may vary slightly. Long-grain white rice should cook within the stated time, but if you’re using brown rice, you may need to extend the cooking time and add more liquid.
- Add Vegetables: To make the casserole even heartier, consider adding vegetables such as peas, carrots, or broccoli. You can mix them into the rice mixture before baking, and they will cook perfectly with the rest of the dish.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses work wonderfully for this casserole.
- Chicken Alternatives: If you want to save time, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. Simply shred or dice the chicken and mix it into the casserole with the rice before baking.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you want to make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of celery soup and ensure that the chicken broth and seasonings are also gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions:
- Green Salad: Serve the casserole alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts would pair perfectly with this creamy, cheesy casserole.
- Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread or dinner rolls can help soak up any extra creamy sauce.
Storing and Reheating:
- Refrigerating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave or oven until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to rehydrate the rice when reheating in the oven.
- Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before baking if you want to make it ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
This Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole is a satisfying and easy meal that the whole family will enjoy. It’s comforting, flavorful, and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit! With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a hearty meal on the table in no time.
