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Creamy Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole in a single pan ready to serve

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

A comforting one-pan dinner featuring creamy rice and tender chicken, perfect for busy nights when you want something cozy without the fuss of many dishes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks Thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts are also fine.
  • 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked Using uncooked rice is crucial for texture.
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup The classic casserole helper.
  • 2 cups chicken broth For cooking the rice and adding flavor.
  • 1/2 cup milk or sour cream Add for extra creaminess.
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder Optional for extra flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder Optional for extra flavor.
  • 1 tbsp butter Optional, adds richness.
  • 1 cup cheddar or mozzarella cheese, shredded For topping the casserole.
Optional Add-ins
  • 1 cup frozen peas Can be added for extra veggies.
  • 1 cup chopped broccoli Can be added for extra veggies.
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms Can be added for extra flavor.
  • 1 cup spinach Can be added for extra nutrients.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab a large baking dish, preferably 9x13 inches.
  2. Stir together the creamy base in a bowl: combine the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk or sour cream, along with the seasonings.
  3. Add uncooked rice to the baking dish and pour the creamy mixture over it, stirring to coat the rice evenly.
  4. Nestle in the chicken pieces, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
  5. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  2. Uncover the dish, add cheese on top, and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Serving
  1. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to thicken into a creamy texture.

Notes

For best results, seal the foil tightly and consider adding a splash of broth if the rice seems firm towards the end of baking. This dish pairs well with a salad or steamed vegetables.