recipe for a chicken casserole
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The Best recipe for a chicken casserole
I love this chicken casserole recipe because it’s simple, filling, and always gets rave reviews from my family. My kids ask for seconds every time I make it, and my husband says it’s one of his favorite weeknight meals. It’s the kind of dish that works just as well for a busy Tuesday dinner as it does for a casual weekend gathering with friends. The best part? It comes together in under an hour with minimal prep, and you can tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
This casserole is packed with protein from the chicken and has a good balance of veggies and carbs, making it a well-rounded meal. I like to use whole wheat pasta or brown rice to add fiber, and I always throw in whatever vegetables are in the fridge—broccoli, peas, or even spinach work great. It’s comforting without being heavy, and it reheats beautifully, so leftovers are just as good the next day. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrients for the kids without them even noticing. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dish, this one’s a winner.
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
4.7 from 1138 votes
A comforting one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice, baked to golden perfection. This easy casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal
🥘Ingredients
For the Chicken and Rice
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
👨🍳Directions
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1 Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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2 In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
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3 In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed.
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4 Add the cooked chicken and onion mixture to the rice mixture and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
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5 In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
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6 Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
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7 Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
🔧Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Skillet or frying pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
- Aluminum foil
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 950mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 28g
📝Notes
Tips: For a lighter version, substitute low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas for extra nutrition. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Watch Video Of How Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Works
This chicken casserole is one of those reliable dishes that never lets you down—it’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and always gets cleaned off the plate. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a potluck with friends, or a holiday spread, it’s filling, comforting, and simple enough that even the busiest families can pull it together without stress. I keep it in my rotation because it works every time, and honestly, that’s all you really need in a go-to recipe.
