This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that has become a go-to meal in many households, especially for families with kids. Full of delicious flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s one of those meals everyone will enjoy — and it’s packed with nutrition too! If you’re looking for a dinner that’s easy to make, filling, and beloved by both kids and adults, this casserole recipe is a winner. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies appetites and makes for excellent leftovers the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole brings together the richness of chicken, cheese, and rice with the freshness of broccoli, making it a balanced and fulfilling meal. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be made in advance, which is a lifesaver on busy days. The creamy sauce binds everything together, and the Panko breadcrumbs add a lovely crunch on top, making it extra special.
It’s a great dish to serve to the family, whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or for a weekend gathering. Your kids will love it, and it will likely become one of those recipes you go to again and again.
Ingredients:
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy, cheesy chicken casserole:
- 1 pound cooked, shredded chicken
(This is a great use for leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand.) - 2 cups chicken broth
(This will help cook the rice and add extra flavor to the casserole.) - 2 cups quick-cooking rice
(Quick-cooking rice ensures that the casserole is ready faster, but regular rice can also work.) - 1 can (10.5 oz) chicken soup
(This will add creaminess and flavor to the sauce.) - 1 can (10.5 oz) onion soup
(Gives the casserole an extra savory depth of flavor.) - 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
(Velveeta melts beautifully and creates that smooth, creamy texture in the sauce.) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
(For richness and to help create the cheese sauce.) - 1/4 cup milk
(Balances the creaminess and texture of the sauce.) - 1/4 cup heavy cream
(Makes the sauce extra rich and velvety.) - 1 bag (12-16 oz) frozen broccoli, thawed
(For a healthy veggie addition that adds color and texture.) - Panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
(Adds a crispy, golden topping to the casserole if you like a bit of crunch.)
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to make the casserole:
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
2. Prepare the Rice
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the quick-cooking rice, then remove the pan from the heat. Cover it with a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the Velveeta cheese, milk, heavy cream, chicken soup, and onion soup. Stir well until everything is combined and the cheese is melted, forming a smooth and creamy sauce. Be sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, thawed broccoli, and the creamy cheese sauce. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed, ensuring the rice and chicken are coated in the sauce.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Add the Topping (Optional)
If you like a crispy, golden top, sprinkle Panko breadcrumbs over the casserole. This step adds a delightful crunch and makes the dish even more appetizing.
7. Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
8. Cool and Serve
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set a bit and make it easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions:
This creamy casserole is filling on its own, but you can pair it with some sides to make a complete meal:
- Dinner Rolls or Garlic Bread: Soft rolls or a crunchy loaf of garlic bread are great for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Simple Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Veggies: If you want to add even more vegetables, a side of roasted carrots, green beans, or asparagus would be a perfect addition.
Tips & Variations:
- Make It Ahead: This casserole is great for meal prep! You can assemble it the day before, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Customize with Other Veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables your family loves, such as peas, spinach, or bell peppers. You can also use fresh broccoli if you prefer.
- Use Cooked Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver. Just shred it and add it to the casserole for a quick and easy meal.
- Make It Lighter: If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, try using low-fat cheese and substituting the heavy cream for a little extra milk or a light cream. You can also use brown rice instead of white rice for more fiber.
Why This Recipe Works
- Kid-Friendly: The combination of chicken, rice, cheese, and broccoli makes this casserole very appealing to children, and the creamy sauce ties everything together in a way that’s comforting and delicious.
- Quick and Easy: It’s a one-dish meal that comes together quickly, and it’s a great option for busy weeknights.
- Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes well, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Just assemble it, freeze it before baking, and then bake it from frozen whenever you’re ready.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the kind of dish that will become a regular on your dinner table. Not only is it packed with flavor and comfort, but it’s also a great way to sneak in some vegetables, making it both a tasty and nutritious meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or just craving a simple, fulfilling dinner, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table!