This Chicken and Rice Casserole is a blast from the past, bringing together tender rotisserie chicken in a rich, creamy rice filling, all crowned with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a heartwarming family favorite that’s simple to prepare and truly unforgettable.
The Ultimate Easy & Comforting Chicken and Rice Casserole: A Family Favorite
There’s something inherently comforting about a homemade casserole, and this Chicken and Rice Casserole truly embodies that feeling. Inspired by a cherished childhood recipe, this dish takes the simplicity of classic chicken casserole and elevates it with the addition of fluffy cooked rice, creating a more substantial and even more satisfying meal. What makes it truly stand out is its incredible ease of preparation, especially when utilizing a store-bought rotisserie chicken. This recipe is designed for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any time you crave a warm, hearty dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
This casserole is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly magical. The combination of succulent chicken, a velvety cream sauce, tender rice, and a perfectly toasted breadcrumb topping delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will please even the pickiest eaters. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, eliciting smiles and satisfied sighs with every spoonful.
Why This Chicken and Rice Casserole is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another chicken and rice dish; it’s a versatile, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious meal that consistently delivers. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:
- Effortless Preparation: With pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and pantry staples, this casserole comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, hearty, and warm, it hits all the right notes for a comforting meal on a chilly evening or whenever you need a culinary hug.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Loved by adults and children alike, its mild flavors and satisfying textures make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or make simple substitutions to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
- Economical: A great way to use leftover chicken or transform a simple rotisserie chicken into a complete, wholesome meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake later, reducing stress on busy days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Chicken and Rice Casserole
Absolutely! This casserole is incredibly adaptable to incorporate your favorite vegetables. Finely chopped broccoli florets or a mix of peas and carrots would be delicious additions, enhancing both flavor and nutrition. You could also try sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for an extra layer of taste. For harder vegetables like carrots or broccoli, a quick blanch or sauté before adding to the mixture can help ensure they are tender when the casserole finishes baking.
While chicken is traditional, this recipe works wonderfully with other proteins. It’s an excellent way to use up leftover holiday turkey! Simply shred or dice the cooked turkey and proceed with the recipe as directed. Diced cooked ham can also be a fantastic addition, adding a savory, smoky flavor that pairs well with the creamy rice. If using ham, you might want to adjust the salt slightly, as ham can be quite salty.
Yes, this casserole is perfect for make-ahead convenience! Assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, remember that it will be starting from a cold temperature, so you’ll need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Keep an eye on it to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly before the breadcrumbs get too dark.
This hearty casserole can be a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides to balance its richness. We love serving it with simple steamed vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or corn. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is also an excellent choice, adding a refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy casserole. Garlic bread or dinner rolls are also great for soaking up any extra sauce.
An 11×7-inch pan is ideal for the thickness and cooking time specified. If you use a smaller pan, the casserole might be too full and could overflow during baking. In that case, you could divide the mixture into two smaller pans. Alternatively, a 9×13-inch pan will work, but the casserole will be thinner, which means it will likely cook faster. Be sure to reduce the baking time by about 5-10 minutes and check for doneness sooner to prevent it from drying out.
You can certainly leave out the rice! The original family recipe this is based on didn’t include rice at all. Removing it won’t negatively impact the structural integrity or flavor of the casserole; it will just result in a slightly less dense dish. If you prefer to add another element, you could consider cooked pasta (like egg noodles) or even some sautéed cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative, though the texture will be different.
Leftovers of this chicken and rice casserole can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm the entire dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Yes, this casserole also freezes beautifully! Once cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container or wrap individual portions well in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Ensure it’s covered when freezing to protect against freezer burn and maintain its creamy texture.
Key Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
This recipe calls for a simple list of ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. The magic happens when these humble components combine to create a symphony of flavors and textures.
Ingredients Needed: (See Full Recipe Card Below for Exact Measurements)
- Rotisserie Chicken: This is your secret weapon for speed! Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken means minimal prep work. Simply shred or chop about 2 cups of the chicken. If you don’t have a rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken (like baked, boiled, or air-fried chicken breast) works just as well.
- Cooked Long-Grain White Rice: You’ll need one cup of cooked rice, which typically comes from about 1/2 cup uncooked rice. This is a fantastic recipe for utilizing leftover rice from a takeout meal or a previous dinner. Ensure your rice is cooled before mixing to prevent the casserole from becoming gummy.
- Cream of Celery Soup: This forms the creamy base of our casserole. While cream of celery adds a subtle savory note, feel free to substitute with other cream soups like cream of chicken or cream of mushroom, depending on your preference. Each offers a slightly different flavor profile that works wonderfully.
- Mayonnaise: Don’t let this ingredient surprise you! Mayonnaise contributes significantly to the casserole’s incredible creaminess and richness, adding a tangy depth that makes the sauce irresistible. It’s a key element in achieving that classic, velvety casserole texture.
- Chicken Stock (or Broth): This helps to thin out the creamy mixture to the perfect consistency and adds more chicken flavor. If you’re mindful of sodium intake, opt for a low-sodium or no-sodium chicken stock or broth.
- Finely Diced Onion: Onions add a foundational layer of aromatic flavor. If you’re not a fan of onions or prefer a smoother texture, you can omit them. For those who enjoy very soft onions, I recommend sautéing them in a little butter until translucent before adding them to the mixture. Adding some sautéed diced celery would also be a delicious enhancement!
- Bread Crumbs: The breadcrumb topping is crucial for that delightful golden, crispy crust. Plain bread crumbs work perfectly, but panko bread crumbs will give you an even crunchier texture. Crushed crackers (like Ritz or saltines) are also an excellent alternative for a buttery, savory crunch.
- Salted Butter: Melted butter is combined with the breadcrumbs to help them brown beautifully and add a rich, buttery flavor to the topping. If you’re controlling your sodium, unsalted butter can be used, and you can adjust other seasonings to taste.
- Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: These seasonings are optional and can be adjusted to your personal taste. Remember that many of the other ingredients (soup, stock, salted butter) already contain salt, so taste your mixture before adding too much.
How to Make the Best Chicken and Rice Casserole
Preparing this casserole is incredibly straightforward, involving just a few simple steps. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can get this comforting meal into the oven!
- Prepare Your Oven and Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Combine the Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped rotisserie chicken, cooked long-grain white rice, cream of celery soup, mayonnaise, chicken stock, and finely diced onion. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined and evenly coated. This is an optional step, but highly recommended: taste the mixture and season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to your liking. Be mindful of the salt content, as many of the ingredients already contain sodium.
- Spread into Baking Dish: Transfer the chicken and rice mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring a consistent layer for even cooking.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping: In a small separate bowl, combine the bread crumbs with the melted salted butter. Stir until the bread crumbs are thoroughly coated with the butter. This step is key to achieving that irresistible golden, crispy topping.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs evenly over the top of the chicken and rice mixture in the baking dish. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a consistent crunch.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbly and heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the casserole set, making it easier to scoop and ensuring all those delicious flavors meld perfectly. Then, dig in and savor this ultimate comfort meal!
Tips for a Perfectly Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: Use cooked, slightly cooled rice. If the rice is too hot, it can make the casserole gummy.
- Prevent Dryness: If your casserole seems a little dry, a splash more chicken stock can be added to the mixture before baking. The mayonnaise also helps keep it moist and creamy.
- Even Breadcrumb Layer: Ensure your breadcrumbs are evenly distributed and coated in butter for a uniform golden crust.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking allows the flavors to settle and makes for cleaner serving.
- Check for Doneness: The casserole is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the edges are bubbly.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this chicken and rice casserole is how easy it is to adapt to your tastes or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Add Cheese: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or a sharp blend into the chicken and rice mixture for an even more decadent casserole. You can also sprinkle a little extra cheese on top along with the breadcrumbs for a cheesy crust.
- Herb Boost: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can add wonderful depth. A teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning or a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley (stirred into the mix or sprinkled on top after baking) can make a big difference.
- Spice It Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce to the mixture, or a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Different Proteins: As mentioned in the FAQ, cooked turkey or ham are excellent substitutes. You could also use browned ground chicken or turkey for a different texture.
- Creamy Soup Swaps: Experiment with cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, or even cream of potato soup to slightly alter the flavor profile of the sauce.
- Vegetable Power-Up: Beyond the suggestions in the FAQ, consider adding finely diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), corn, or even a can of drained water chestnuts for extra crunch.
CRAVING MORE COMFORTING CASSEROLE RECIPES?
- Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
- Italian Rice Casserole
- One Pot Chicken and Stuffing
- Chicken and Biscuits Casserole
- Crock Pot Rotisserie Chicken
- Marry Me Chicken & Rice
- Poppy Seed Chicken
- Chicken and Dumplings Casserole
- Malibu Chicken Casserole
- Chicken Bundles
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Swiss Chicken Casserole
- No Peek Chicken Casserole
- 30 Comforting Casseroles
Originally posted: July 2017
Updated photos and republished: September 2023
Chicken and Rice Casserole
This Chicken and Rice Casserole is a blast from the past. Rotisserie chicken in a creamy, rice filling topped with bread crumbs! A family favorite meal!
Pin Recipe
10 minutes
35 minutes
45 minutes
6
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 2 cups (chopped) store-bought rotisserie chicken (from a family-sized chicken)
- 1 cup (cooked) long-grain white rice
- 10.5 ounce can cream of celery soup
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup chicken stock (or broth)
- ½ cup finely diced onion (see notes above for options)
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, to taste (optional)
- 1 ½ cups bread crumbs
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, stir together chicken, cooked rice, soup, mayonnaise, chicken stock and finely diced onion. Optional: season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
Spread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs with melted butter.
Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs evenly over the chicken mixture.
Bake in preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Let stand for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
- If you prefer your onions super soft, I would suggest sautéing them in a little butter first.
- If you don’t like cream of celery soup, you can substitute with cream of chicken or cream of mushroom.
- Be careful when adding additional salt. The cream of celery soup, chicken stock, and salted butter all contain sodium. Taste the mixture before adding extra salt.
- Crushed crackers or panko bread crumbs can be substituted for plain bread crumbs for a different texture.
- Sprinkling the top with some freshly chopped parsley is completely optional; it just adds a nice pop of color.
Main Course
American
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)
- Calories: 512kcal
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 31g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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