If you’re craving a comforting, easy-to-make meal, this classic Chicken and Rice Casserole is a must-try! With tender chicken, creamy rice, and a savory combination of ingredients, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you’re looking to send a meal to someone in need. What makes this casserole stand out? It’s a no-soup recipe, meaning it’s made from scratch with fresh ingredients—no canned cream of anything is required. Even better, it freezes well, making it a great make-ahead option.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
This casserole is made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge, yet it comes together in a way that feels special. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter (4 tbsp): Adds richness and flavor to the base.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Provides a savory foundation to the casserole.
- Garlic (4 cloves, finely chopped): Brings in aromatic flavor and depth.
- Seasoning Salt (1 tsp): Adds a savory kick to balance the flavors.
- Kosher Salt (1 tsp): Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Black Pepper (½ tsp): Adds a mild heat and complements the other flavors.
- All-purpose Flour (4 tbsp): Thickens the sauce and gives it a creamy texture.
- Chicken Stock (3 ½ cups): Gives the casserole a savory, comforting base.
- Whole Milk (3 ½ cups): Creates the creamy texture that makes this casserole so comforting.
- Long-Grain Rice (1 ½ cups, uncooked): The rice absorbs the creamy sauce and adds heartiness.
- Cooked Chicken (3 cups, cubed): Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and great flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese (½ cup, shredded): Adds a creamy, melty topping with a sharp flavor.
- Ritz-Style Crackers (1 sleeve, finely crushed): Creates a crispy, golden topping for texture.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, shredded): Adds a nutty, salty flavor to the topping.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole:
Step 1: Prepare the Base In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Roux. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat the onions and garlic mixture. Let the flour cook for a minute or two until it just starts to color.
Step 3: Create the Sauce. Slowly whisk in the chicken stock and milk, turning the heat up to medium-high. Continue whisking as the mixture comes to a simmer, ensuring there are no lumps. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to taste.
Step 4: Add the Rice. Stir in the uncooked rice and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until the rice absorbs most of the liquid and becomes tender.
Step 5: Combine with Chicken. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Add the cubed chicken to the rice and sauce mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole. Transfer the rice and chicken mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish (or two 8×8-inch casserole dishes if you want to make smaller portions). In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz-style crackers with the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.
Step 7: Bake. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Why This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the Perfect Comfort Food
- Real Ingredients, No Chemicals You Can’t Pronounce: This recipe is made entirely from fresh, whole ingredients you can recognize—no canned soups or processed chemicals. The result is a fresher, more flavorful casserole that’s as comforting as it is nourishing.
- Great for Picky Eaters: This casserole is a hit with even the pickiest eaters. It’s customizable—add or omit veggies and adjust the seasonings to fit your family’s tastes.
- Freezable: Make a double batch and freeze one for later. It reheats beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
- Simple to Prepare: This recipe is easy to follow with ingredients you likely have on hand, making it a go-to for busy nights.
Why I Love This Casserole
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is probably my number one go-to when I want to share a meal with friends or family. It’s not only simple to make but always brings comfort and warmth. Over the years, I’ve made it for everything from family dinners to sharing with a friend in need. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. Whether you need to make it ahead, freeze it, or even adjust the ingredients for picky eaters, this casserole always comes through as a satisfying, delicious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly. I do reccomend white rice for this casserole.
Can I freeze this casserole? Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Simply assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect mix of easy, comforting, and flavorful. Made from scratch with fresh, healthier ingredients, it’s perfect for family dinners or sharing with friends. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, something to freeze, or a crowd-pleaser, this no-soup method ensures a fresher, tastier casserole everyone will love. Simple, satisfying, and always a hit—this casserole will quickly become your new go-to recipe!
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tsp seasoning salt
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ cups chicken stock
- 3 ½ cups whole milk don’t hesitate to add a bit more once it is cooked if you want it creamier. I will typically add at least 1/2 cup more especially if I know I am freezing it
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice uncooked
- 3 cups cooked chicken cubed (I use chicken from 1 Rotisserie Chicken)
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 sleeve Ritz style crackers finely crushed
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat and cook onions until translucent.
- Add garlic, seasoned salt, pepper.
- Add flour and mix well. Cook until starting to color.
- Stir milk and stock into flour mixture. Turn heat to medium-high and continue to whisk as the mixture comes to a simmer.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Add rice and lower heat to medium-low.
- Cook until the rice absorbs most of the liquid and is tender, stirring occasionally for about 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Add chicken to the rice and sauce mixture and mix well.
- Pour mixture into a 9 x 13-inch casserole, or two 8×8 inch casseroles.
- Combine cracker crumbs and cheeses and sprinkle evenly over top of the casserole.
- Place in a hot oven and cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until topping is browned and casserole is bubbling.
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More Comforting Casseroles to Try
Looking for more warm and hearty meals? These comforting casseroles are perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or helping a friend:
- Easy Dump and Bake Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole – The easiest casserole you’ll ever make! Just dump the ingredients into the baking dish—no prep or precooking required.
- Shepherd’s Pie – This cozy dairy-free casserole layers savory meat and veggies under creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying, healthy comfort food.
- Chicken Divan – A classic, creamy casserole filled with chicken, broccoli, and cheese—always a favorite at the dinner table.
- Baked Penne – My go-to when I need something easy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing. Perfect to take to a friend or serve up for a big family dinner.
Be sure to share this casserole with your friends and include the free meal labels so they’ll know how to prepare it and any special instructions, especially if you’ve adapted it for specific diets. My free “Made with Love” tags and meal labels add a personal, thoughtful touch. For more tips on making meal-sharing easier, check out my post on meal-taking tips!
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