Have you ever found yourself in need of a quick, comforting dinner that the whole family will love? That’s exactly how this Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole came to life in my kitchen. With a busy schedule, I was looking for a meal that was not only delicious but also easy to make. Enter rotisserie chicken my secret weapon in getting dinner on the table in no time.
This casserole has all the flavors I adore creamy, cheesy, and hearty, all wrapped up in one dish. It’s the kind of meal that makes your house smell inviting as it bakes, and when you pull it out of the oven, you can’t wait to dive in. What’s even better is that it’s a one-pan dish, so clean-up is a breeze. Whether you’re serving it up for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a family gathering, this casserole is sure to impress. Plus, it’s the perfect recipe to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, making it a great way to minimize food waste and save time in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Why settle for a bland, boring dinner when you can have a Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole that’s both comforting and satisfying? This dish checks all the boxes: it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors. But what truly makes it special is its simplicity. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, yet the end result is something that feels like a homemade masterpiece.
The rotisserie chicken makes this casserole a time-saver, eliminating the need for extra prep work. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftovers in a fresh, new way. Frozen mixed vegetables are the unsung hero in this dish easy to toss in and packed with nutrients. When combined with the creamy sauce and fluffy rice, they provide the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The Colby Jack cheese melts beautifully into the casserole, adding that gooey, indulgent finish that makes you want to go back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups Minute Rice (uncooked)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk (2% or whole preferred)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Ground pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or use a non-stick spray to make cleanup easier later on.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken and frozen mixed vegetables. If your vegetables are frozen, there’s no need to thaw them just toss them straight in. Add the Minute Rice (uncooked) to the bowl as well.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth and creamy. Add the minced garlic, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to the mixture. Season with salt and ground pepper to taste. Stir well to combine everything into a flavorful sauce.
Step 4: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, rice, and vegetables. Stir everything together until evenly coated. Make sure the rice is fully submerged in the sauce, as it will absorb the liquid as it bakes, turning tender and fluffy.
Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese on top of the casserole, spreading it evenly to cover the surface. This will melt into a gooey, cheesy layer as it bakes.
Step 6: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the cheese get golden and slightly crispy on top.
Once done, remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Variation
This Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to help you make it your own:
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Vegetarian Option: If you want to skip the chicken or make the casserole vegetarian, try swapping the rotisserie chicken for tofu or chickpeas. These ingredients will provide the protein needed while still maintaining the casserole’s hearty texture. You can also experiment with different vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
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Use Different Cheese: If Colby Jack isn’t your favorite cheese, try substituting it with cheddar, mozzarella, or even a cream cheese blend for an extra creamy texture. A mix of Parmesan and mozzarella will create a deliciously cheesy, golden crust on top.
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Add Some Spice: For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture. You can also use a spicy cheese, such as pepper jack, to kick up the flavor.
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Healthier Version: Swap out the cream of chicken soup for a lighter cream of mushroom soup or make your own from scratch to control the ingredients. You can also opt for brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
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Make it a One-Pot Meal: If you don’t want to dirty multiple dishes, you can try cooking the rice in the same pan as the chicken and vegetables. Just sauté everything together, then add the sauce and cheese for a delicious one-pot meal!
Feel free to mix and match ingredients to suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or what you have available in your kitchen!
How to Serve
One of the best things about Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole is its versatility when it comes to serving it. This dish is a complete meal on its own, but there are many ways you can elevate it with complementary sides, sauces, and garnishes to make the meal even more delightful.
For a light and refreshing contrast, you can serve the casserole with a crisp side salad. A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette would balance the richness of the casserole perfectly. You could also add sliced avocado or cucumber to the salad for extra texture and freshness.
If you’re looking for something with more substance, consider serving the casserole with garlic bread or a crusty loaf of bread. The bread can be used to scoop up the cheesy, creamy goodness from the casserole, making every bite even more satisfying.
For an extra touch of flavor, hot sauce or a sour cream drizzle would pair wonderfully with the dish. The tanginess from the sour cream can cut through the richness of the casserole, while hot sauce will add a delicious kick.
Recipe Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole turns out perfectly every time:
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Use Rotisserie Chicken: This dish is a perfect way to repurpose leftover rotisserie chicken. It saves you time on cooking and adds a ton of flavor. If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can easily cook and shred boneless chicken breasts or thighs in advance.
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Don’t Skip the Covering Step: Covering the casserole with foil during the first phase of baking helps it cook evenly and prevents the top from browning too soon. This allows the rice to absorb the creamy sauce and become tender. Uncover it during the final 10 minutes to get a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
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Make Ahead: If you’re prepping for a busy week, you can make this casserole in advance. Prepare the casserole, but don’t bake it just yet. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven and bake as usual.
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Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme can be sprinkled over the casserole once it’s done baking to brighten the dish. It adds a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.
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Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven, adding a little extra milk if it seems too thick.
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For Extra Crunch: If you love a crunchy topping, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top of the casserole before baking. This adds a delicious contrast to the creamy texture.
Cooking Notes
To make sure your Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole turns out as delicious as possible, here are some important cooking notes:
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Don’t Overcook the Rice: Since you’re using Minute Rice, it’s important not to overcook it before adding it to the casserole. The rice will cook further in the oven as it absorbs the sauce, so it’s best to leave it slightly undercooked when mixing it with the rest of the ingredients.
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Use Full-Fat Milk: For a creamier and richer casserole, try using whole milk instead of skim or 2%. The extra fat will make the sauce velvety and indulgent, which is key to the dish’s comforting nature.
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Check for Doneness: The casserole should be bubbly and golden on top when it’s ready. If the cheese isn’t as browned as you’d like, turn the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
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Add More Veggies: If you want to sneak in some more veggies, try adding finely chopped spinach, broccoli, or cauliflower. These vegetables will blend into the dish without being too noticeable, but they’ll add some extra nutrients.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Protein: 29g
- Sodium: 800mg
Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this casserole without rotisserie chicken?
Yes! You can easily substitute rotisserie chicken with any cooked chicken. Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. Just cook and shred the chicken before adding it to the casserole. For a quicker option, you can use canned chicken as well, though freshly cooked chicken will have a better flavor and texture.
Q2: Can I use a different type of rice?
While Minute Rice is the easiest to work with in this recipe, you can substitute it with other types of rice such as long-grain white rice or brown rice. Keep in mind that the cooking time may change depending on the type of rice you use. If you use brown rice, you’ll likely need to pre-cook it before adding it to the casserole.
Q3: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it up to 24 hours ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as instructed. This is especially helpful for busy weekdays or hosting guests.
Q4: What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can make your own by combining heavy cream, chicken broth, and a little flour to thicken it. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, cream of mushroom soup can be a great substitution for a slightly different flavor.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the microwave or oven. If it appears too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth and stir before reheating. The casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole is a meal that brings comfort, convenience, and flavor all in one dish. It’s an ideal recipe for busy families who want something hearty yet easy to make. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese, it’s the perfect comfort food to serve on a weeknight, for a family dinner, or even at a potluck gathering. The best part? It’s simple to make and requires minimal effort, so you can spend more time enjoying the meal than cooking it.
Whether you stick to the classic version or get creative with your variations, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your household. It’s versatile, filling, and truly delicious. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover chicken, saving you time and reducing food waste.
Next time you’re craving a comforting meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, give this casserole a try! And if you love it (which I’m sure you will!), be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below. Don’t forget to explore other related recipes on our site for more easy, satisfying meals that everyone will love!
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Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups Minute Rice (uncooked)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk (2% or whole preferred)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Ground pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or use a non-stick spray to make cleanup easier later on.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken and frozen mixed vegetables. If your vegetables are frozen, there’s no need to thaw them just toss them straight in. Add the Minute Rice (uncooked) to the bowl as well.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth and creamy. Add the minced garlic, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to the mixture. Season with salt and ground pepper to taste. Stir well to combine everything into a flavorful sauce.
Step 4: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, rice, and vegetables. Stir everything together until evenly coated. Make sure the rice is fully submerged in the sauce, as it will absorb the liquid as it bakes, turning tender and fluffy.
Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese on top of the casserole, spreading it evenly to cover the surface. This will melt into a gooey, cheesy layer as it bakes.
Step 6: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the cheese get golden and slightly crispy on top.
Once done, remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sodium: 800
- Protein: 29