The Coziest Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe for Comfort Food Fans

Comfort food takes center stage with this hearty chicken and rice casserole that promises pure culinary delight.

Tender chicken pieces nestled perfectly within fluffy rice create a warm, satisfying meal everyone adores.

Home cooks know this classic dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with savory seasonings, making each bite irresistible.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly in one convenient baking dish.

Layers of rich, golden goodness emerge from the oven, filling your kitchen with an inviting aroma.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this crowd-pleasing dinner that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Cozy Up With Chicken & Rice Casserole Comfort

• A hearty, home-style dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, perfect for satisfying hungry families.
• Flexible recipe allows quick ingredient swaps or additions, making it adaptable to pantry contents and personal taste preferences.
• Minimal cleanup and simple preparation mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal together.
• Uses affordable, common ingredients that stretch to feed multiple people without breaking the bank.

The Best Ingredients For Classic Chicken & Rice Casserole

• Chicken: Protein-rich protein that serves as the primary component of the casserole.
• Rice: Cooked starch that provides a hearty base for the casserole.
• Cream of Celery Soup: Creamy base that adds moisture and flavor to the dish.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy condiment that helps to hold the casserole together.
• Chicken Stock: Liquid that enhances the overall moisture and depth of flavor.
• Onion: Aromatic vegetable that adds subtle sweetness and depth to the casserole.

• Bread Crumbs, Butter: Crispy mixture that creates a golden, crunchy layer on top of the casserole.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright garnish and subtle green color.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

Tools To Create The Ultimate Casserole Dish

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining chicken, rice, and creamy ingredients smoothly.
• Small mixing bowl: Ideal for mixing bread crumbs and melted butter.
• 11×7-inch baking dish: Essential for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cutting board and knife: Useful for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and spreading the mixture.
• Oven mitts: Necessary for safely handling hot baking dishes.

Simple Steps For Hearty Chicken & Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Lightly coat an 11×7-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Cooked rice
• Cream of celery soup
• Mayonnaise
• Chicken broth
• Diced onion

Blend all ingredients until well incorporated.

Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a smooth, consistent layer.

Step 4: Prepare Crunchy Topping

• Bread crumbs
• Melted butter

Stir until the bread crumbs are completely coated with butter.

Step 5: Add Crispy Topping

Sprinkle the buttery bread crumb mixture uniformly over the chicken and rice base, creating a golden, crunchy layer.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

The dish is ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges become bubbly.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Tips For Perfect Texture In Chicken Rice Casserole

• Use high-quality, fresh chicken and recently cooked rice for the best flavor and texture in your casserole.
• Add chicken stock gradually to prevent the casserole from becoming too wet or dry, ensuring a perfect creamy consistency.
• Mix panko bread crumbs with herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra crunch and aromatic flavor.
• Replace cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom for a different taste, or use Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative to mayonnaise.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.

Chicken & Rice Casserole Remix: New Additions

• Vegetarian Rice Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or mixed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cream soup and substitute regular bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal for a celiac-friendly option.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Select low-sodium cream soup, skip added salt, and use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance flavor without extra sodium.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and swap chicken stock with white wine for a Mediterranean-inspired casserole with rich, tangy notes.

Casserole Serving Ideas For Family & Friends

• Comfort Food Companion: A hearty side salad with crisp greens and tangy vinaigrette perfectly balances the rich casserole.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with additional shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped grilled chicken for extra protein and texture.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers before baking to increase nutritional value and add colorful complexity.
• Family Style Feast: Serve alongside warm dinner rolls or buttered crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and complete the meal.

Keeping Chicken & Rice Casserole Delicious For Days

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture.
• Warm in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the bread crumb topping.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, thaw the chicken completely and pat it dry before mixing with other ingredients to prevent excess moisture.

• What if I don't have cream of celery soup?

You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or make a homemade white sauce as an alternative.

• Is this casserole gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains bread crumbs and cream soup, which typically have gluten. Use gluten-free bread crumbs and soup to make it gluten-free.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.

Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade chicken and rice casserole delivers comfort from classic American kitchens with hearty ingredients. Simple preparation creates a satisfying meal families will eagerly enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups chopped store-bought rotisserie chicken

Rice:

• 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 10.5 ounces (296 grams) cream of celery soup
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup chicken stock (or broth)
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste

Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
• 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coat an 11×7-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create the casserole base by combining shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of celery soup, mayonnaise, chicken stock, and finely diced onion in a large mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
4. Prepare the crispy topping by mixing bread crumbs with melted butter in a separate small bowl until thoroughly combined.
5. Generously distribute the buttered bread crumb mixture across the top of the chicken and rice layer, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and bubbling edges that indicate the dish is thoroughly heated.
7. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and a touch of fresh flavor before serving hot.

Notes

• Swap cream of celery soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher, preservative-free alternative that boosts flavor and nutrition.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra depth to the casserole’s taste profile.
• Toast bread crumbs separately for extra crunchiness before adding to the topping, ensuring a perfectly crispy golden-brown texture.
• Consider gluten-free options by using gluten-free bread crumbs and cream soup substitute, making the dish accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg