If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect dish. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Requires minimal prep and simple ingredients.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser with creamy, delicious flavors.
- Make-Ahead: Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
- One-Dish Meal: Fewer dishes to clean up afterward!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 2-3 cups cooked/shredded chicken (or diced cooked chicken)
- 1 package Lipton Onion soup mix
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups milk
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups minute rice (uncooked)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan)
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
- 1/2 cup chopped celery for extra crunch
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder for added flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cooked chicken
- Lipton Onion soup mix
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Cream of chicken soup
- Milk
- Sour cream
- Water
- Uncooked minute rice
- Salt and pepper
Mix everything well until fully combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Spray a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the prepared chicken and rice mixture into the baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the top to slightly brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy delight!
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time and add more flavor with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top before the final 15 minutes of baking for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Season to Taste: Adjust salt and pepper levels based on your preference.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use brown rice instead of minute rice?
Yes, but you may need to pre-cook the brown rice partially and adjust the liquid ratio.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free soups and verify that the onion soup mix is gluten-free.
3. What side dishes go well with chicken and rice casserole?
Pair it with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
BEST EVER Chicken and Rice Casserole
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect dish. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2–3 cups cooked/shredded chicken (or diced cooked chicken)
- 1 package Lipton Onion soup mix
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups milk
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups minute rice (uncooked)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan)
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
- 1/2 cup chopped celery for extra crunch
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder for added flavor
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cooked chicken
- Lipton Onion soup mix
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Cream of chicken soup
- Milk
- Sour cream
- Water
- Uncooked minute rice
- Salt and pepper
Mix everything well until fully combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Spray a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the prepared chicken and rice mixture into the baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the top to slightly brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy delight!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1hour