Description

This Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Combining tender cooked chicken, long-grain rice, creamy soups, and flavorful seasonings, it’s topped with melted cheddar cheese and a crispy buttered panko breadcrumb crust for a delightful texture contrast. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole is easy to prepare and serves as a complete meal companion to fresh salads or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping Ingredients

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter (melted)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Add Chicken: Gently fold in the cooked chicken and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything evenly so the chicken and cheese are well coated with the creamy mixture.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to create a uniform layer.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of the casserole mixture for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Add Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the breadcrumbs are fully coated. Evenly sprinkle this buttery breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal and enjoy the creamy, comforting flavors.

Notes

Using cooked chicken makes preparation quicker and infuses the casserole with rich flavor.
If you prefer, substitute long-grain rice with jasmine or basmati for a fragrant variation.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cream soups and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
Covering the dish with foil during initial baking helps keep moisture in for perfectly cooked rice.
Feel free to add vegetables like peas or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.