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To make a tasty Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole, you need these key ingredients: - 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for a crunchy topping) - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish You can mix it up with some optional ingredients for fun variations: - Cooked peas or carrots for extra veggies - Different cheese types like mozzarella or pepper jack - A splash of hot sauce for some heat - Cooked bacon bits for added flavor - A sprinkle of herbs like thyme or rosemary When I choose my ingredients, I look for the freshest options. Here are some tips: - Rice: Use day-old rice for best results. It holds its shape better. - Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great if you're short on time. - Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds crunch, while frozen is quick and easy. - Soup: Choose a high-quality cream of chicken soup for rich flavor. - Cheese: Opt for block cheese instead of pre-shredded. It melts better. Use these tips to create a delicious dish that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You need: - 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for a crunchy topping) - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Make sure your rice and chicken are fully cooked. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it first. This will help everything cook evenly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and broccoli. Add the cream of chicken soup and sour cream. These two ingredients make the dish creamy. Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until fully combined. This is key for flavor! Now, stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Save the rest for topping later. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly to ensure even cooking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the oven is ready, sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese over the casserole. If you like a crunchy topping, add breadcrumbs on top as well. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This keeps the casserole moist. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Look for melted cheese and slightly golden edges. Once done, take it out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your creamy chicken rice casserole! To get that creamy texture, start with cooked rice. I prefer white rice, but brown rice works too. Make sure your chicken is shredded well. This helps it mix easily with the other ingredients. Use cream of chicken soup and sour cream to build a rich base. Mixing these two gives a smooth finish. If you want extra creaminess, add more sour cream or even some cream cheese. Seasonings can take this dish to the next level. I recommend using garlic powder and onion powder. These add depth without overpowering the dish. Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper. If you like a little kick, try adding paprika or a pinch of cayenne. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also boost the flavor. They add freshness and a pop of color. When serving this casserole, pair it with a light salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette works well. You can also add some crusty bread on the side. This helps soak up any creamy sauce left on the plate. For a fun twist, serve it in individual ramekins. This makes each serving special and easy to handle. Don't skip the garnish—chopped fresh parsley adds a nice touch! Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand, saving time and reducing waste. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the broccoli for other vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach to suit your taste or what you have available. Make It Ahead: Prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake for a quick weeknight dinner. Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend, for varied flavors and textures in your casserole. {{image_2}} You can make this casserole healthier by using brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice has more fiber and nutrients. It adds a nice nutty taste too. You can also use low-fat cream of chicken soup. This swap cuts down on fat but keeps the creamy texture. Additionally, try adding more veggies like spinach or carrots. They boost nutrition and flavor without adding many calories. If you want a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Both add protein and fill you up. Use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup. You can also add more vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, for extra flavor. Don't forget to choose a plant-based cheese if you want that cheesy taste! There are many ways to change the flavor of your casserole. You can add spices like paprika or cumin for a warm touch. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also brighten the dish. If you love a kick, toss in some red pepper flakes. Adding different vegetables, like zucchini or peas, can also change things up. Each option brings new tastes and colors to your plate! After enjoying your creamy chicken rice casserole, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. Make sure to let it cool first. If you have extra portions, divide them into smaller containers. This way, you can grab a single serving later. To reheat your casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it is hot all the way through. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last five minutes. You can freeze this casserole for later. To do this, let it cool completely. Then, use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for a quick meal. Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Mix all the ingredients and place them in your baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, remove the cover and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Then, bake it as usual. If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can use a few options. Try a homemade mix of milk, butter, and flour. Blend these until smooth. You can also use cream of mushroom soup for a different taste. If you're looking for a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt can work well too. To make a gluten-free version, you need to change a few ingredients. First, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make your own. Use rice that is labeled gluten-free, like white or brown rice. Check labels on all other ingredients, especially any seasoning mixes. This will ensure your dish is safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. This article covered everything you need for a delicious creamy chicken rice casserole. We discussed the best ingredients and how to prep them. You learned step-by-step instructions for mixing and baking. We shared tips for a creamy texture and flavor boost. We also explored healthier options and variations, plus how to store leftovers. Making this dish is simple and fun. I hope you enjoy cooking it as much as I do!

Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole

A comforting and creamy casserole made with chicken, rice, and broccoli, topped with cheese and breadcrumbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 2 sour cream
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (optional for a crunchy topping)
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream.
  • Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
  • Stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining cheese for topping.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish evenly.
  • Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
  • If using, evenly sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for added crunch.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Optional breadcrumbs can be added for a crunchy topping.
Keyword casserole, chicken, comfort food, rice