When it comes to cozy, family-friendly meals, few dishes can compete with a Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole. It’s the kind of recipe that warms the soul, combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce that ties everything together. Best of all, it’s an all-in-one dish—hearty enough for dinner, easy enough for weeknights, and versatile enough to feed a crowd.

Why Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole Works
The magic of this dish lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The chicken provides protein and substance, the rice absorbs all the rich flavors as it bakes, and the creamy sauce gives every bite that comforting, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Add a touch of cheese or vegetables, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal in one pan.

This casserole is also incredibly forgiving. You can make it with leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even substitute turkey. Plus, it’s perfect for freezing or meal prepping—making it a true kitchen staple.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into a classic creamy chicken rice casserole:

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)

1 cup uncooked long-grain rice

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

1 ½ cups chicken broth

1 cup milk

1 small onion, finely diced

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, optional)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Mix the base
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, and seasonings. Whisk until smooth.

Add the rice and chicken
Stir in the uncooked rice, diced onion, vegetables, and chicken. Make sure everything is evenly coated in the creamy mixture.

Transfer to baking dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

Bake covered
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.

Add cheese topping (optional)
Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar on top, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Rest and serve
Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly for that perfect creamy texture.

Tips for Success
Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.

Swap the soups – cream of celery or cream of broccoli work great too.

Make it lighter – replace half the soup with plain Greek yogurt for creaminess with less richness.

Meal prep friendly – assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-pan meal – protein, carbs, and veggies all in one dish.

Comforting and filling – perfect for chilly nights or busy days.

Family favorite – mild flavors that appeal to kids and adults alike.

Flexible – easily adaptable with different proteins, vegetables, or seasonings.

Final Thoughts
The Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a reminder of the power of comfort food. With just a few pantry staples and a little oven time, you can create a warm, hearty dish that brings people together around the table. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining guests, or stocking the freezer with ready-made meals, this casserole will always deliver.