Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole – Comfort Food for the Whole Family

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole – Comfort Food for the Whole Family

Introduction

Looking for a hearty and comforting dish that the whole family will love? This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect answer! With tender chicken, fluffy rice, a rich creamy sauce, and a crispy bread crumb topping, it has everything you need for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers that taste just as good the next day, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to make, and the whole dish comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Let’s dive into the details of this creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious recipe!

Detailed Ingredients 🐔🍚🧀

  • 4 slices white sandwich bread, quartered
  • 🧈 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 🌿 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • 🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 🧈 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
  • 🧅 1 medium onion, minced
  • 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
  • 🧄 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
  • 🌶️ ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 🌾 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 🍲 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 🧴 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 🍗 2 pounds (about 5 breasts) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
  • 🍚 1½ cups white rice
  • 🥕 1-pound bag (about 3 cups) frozen peas and carrots medley
  • 🧀 8 ounces (about 2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 🍋 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 🧂 Ground black pepper, to taste

Direction

  1. Make the bread crumbs: Preheat the oven to 300°F. In a food processor, pulse the bread and butter into coarse crumbs (about 6 pulses). Spread the crumbs on a rimmed baking sheet and bake, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 30 minutes until golden and dry. Let the crumbs cool, then toss them with parsley, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook the chicken and make the sauce: In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and salt and cook until softened (about 5 to 7 minutes). Stir in garlic and cayenne pepper and cook for 30 seconds. Add flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream.
  3. Simmer the chicken: Add chicken breasts to the pot, partially cover, and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover completely, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
  4. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside to cool. Stir rice into the pot, cover, and cook on low for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring often, until the rice is tender.
  5. Combine and bake: When the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it into bite-sized pieces. Remove the pot from heat, and stir in the shredded chicken, peas and carrots, cheddar cheese, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into a 13×9-inch baking dish and top with the bread crumbs.
  6. Final bake: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour, until bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the crumbs are crisp. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
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My Story

I’ve always had a soft spot for casseroles—there’s just something about the way they bring everything together in one pan that makes them feel so comforting. This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole came to life during a particularly busy week when I needed something hearty but easy to make for my family. I remember thinking, “What’s better than a casserole that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with all the good stuff?” This dish has since become a favorite for family dinners and potlucks, and I love that it’s so versatile. You can make it ahead of time, and the flavors only get better as it sits. Plus, it’s the kind of dish that everyone can enjoy, from kids to adults. Trust me, this is one you’ll want to add to your recipe box!

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole – Comfort Food for the Whole Family
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole – Comfort Food for the Whole Family

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but brown rice takes longer to cook. If you use brown rice, you’ll need to increase the cooking time, and the amount of liquid might need adjustment as well. Make sure to check the rice’s doneness before finishing the casserole.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer dark meat. They’ll add even more flavor to the dish and keep the casserole extra juicy. Just make sure the thighs are cooked through before shredding.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it up to the point of baking, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to serve, bake it as directed, but you may need to add a few extra minutes of cooking time since it will be cold.

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Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option, though the casserole won’t be quite as rich and creamy. If you use a lower-fat substitute, you may also need to adjust the seasoning.

What can I serve this casserole with?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. It’s also great with a side of steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for an extra dose of veggies.

Suggestion

  1. Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or some diced jalapeños to the chicken and rice mixture for a bit of heat.
  2. Add some crunch: Mix some crushed crackers or crispy onions into the bread crumbs for added texture.
  3. Go veggie: Add extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for an even heartier casserole.
  4. Top with herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can give this casserole a fragrant, savory boost.
  5. Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend to make this casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and hearty, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you want something satisfying that will please a crowd. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the crispy topping adds the perfect crunch to each bite. Whether you’re serving it as a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is always a winner. The best part? It’s incredibly customizable. You can add extra veggies, switch up the cheese, or make it spicier to suit your tastes. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve just wrapped yourself in a warm, comforting hug. Enjoy!

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— Sarah Cooper, Gotubbe.com

Introduction Looking for a hearty and comforting dish that the whole family will love? This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect answer! With tender chicken, fluffy rice, a rich creamy sauce, and a crispy bread crumb topping, it has everything you need for a satisfying meal. Whether you're feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers that taste just as good the next day, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to make, and the whole dish comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Let’s dive into the details of this creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious recipe! Detailed Ingredients 🐔🍚🧀 4 slices white sandwich bread, quartered 🧈 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 🌿 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley 🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 🧈 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter 🧅 1 medium onion, minced 🧂 1 teaspoon salt 🧄 3 medium garlic cloves, minced 🌶️ ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper 🌾 ¼ cup all-purpose flour 🍲 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth 🧴 1 cup heavy whipping cream 🍗 2 pounds (about 5 breasts) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed 🍚 1½ cups white rice 🥕 1-pound bag (about 3 cups) frozen peas and carrots medley 🧀 8 ounces (about 2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 🍋 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 🧂 Ground black pepper, to taste Direction Make the bread crumbs: Preheat the oven to 300°F. In a food processor, pulse the bread and butter into coarse crumbs (about 6 pulses). Spread the crumbs on a rimmed baking sheet and bake, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 30 minutes until golden and dry. Let the crumbs cool, then toss them with parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken and make the sauce: In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and salt and cook until softened (about 5 to 7 minutes). Stir in garlic and cayenne pepper and cook for 30 seconds. Add flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer the chicken: Add chicken breasts to the pot, partially cover, and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover completely, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside to cool. Stir rice into the pot, cover, and cook on low for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring often, until the rice is tender. Combine and bake: When the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it into bite-sized pieces. Remove the pot from heat, and stir in the shredded chicken, peas and carrots, cheddar cheese, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into a 13x9-inch baking dish and top with the bread crumbs. Final bake: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour, until bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the crumbs are crisp. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. My Story I’ve always had a soft spot for casseroles—there’s just something about the way they bring everything together in one pan that makes them feel so comforting. This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole came to life during a particularly busy week when I needed something hearty but easy to make for my family. I remember thinking, “What’s better than a casserole that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with all the good stuff?” This dish has since become a favorite for family dinners and potlucks, and I love that it’s so versatile. You can make it ahead of time, and the flavors only get better as it sits. Plus, it’s the kind of dish that everyone can enjoy, from kids to adults. Trust me, this is one you’ll want to add to your recipe box! FAQ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? You can, but brown rice takes longer to cook. If you use brown rice, you’ll need to increase the cooking time, and the amount of liquid might need adjustment as well. Make sure to check the rice’s doneness before finishing the casserole. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer dark meat. They’ll add even more flavor to the dish and keep the casserole extra juicy. Just make sure the thighs are cooked through before shredding. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, this casserole is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it up to the point of baking, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to serve, bake it as directed, but you may need to add a few extra minutes of cooking time since it will be cold. Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter? You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option, though the casserole won’t be quite as rich and creamy. If you use a lower-fat substitute, you may also need to adjust the seasoning. What can I serve this casserole with? This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. It’s also great with a side of steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for an extra dose of veggies. Suggestion Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or some diced jalapeños to the chicken and rice mixture for a bit of heat. Add some crunch: Mix some crushed crackers or crispy onions into the bread crumbs for added texture. Go veggie: Add extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for an even heartier casserole. Top with herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can give this casserole a fragrant, savory boost. Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend to make this casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Conclusion This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and hearty, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you want something satisfying that will please a crowd. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the crispy topping adds the perfect crunch to each bite. Whether you're serving it as a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is always a winner. The best part? It’s incredibly customizable. You can add extra veggies, switch up the cheese, or make it spicier to suit your tastes. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve just wrapped yourself in a warm, comforting hug. Enjoy! — Sarah Cooper, Gotubbe.com
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Sarah Cooper

I’m Sarah Cooper, the heart behind GoTubbe a place where self-growth meets soulful cooking. I believe in living with purpose, finding balance, and honoring the bold, beautiful flavors passed down through generations. Here, every story and every recipe is a celebration of where we come from and where we’re headed.

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