You know those nights when you’re too tired to cook, but also too hungry to settle for a bowl of cereal? That’s when I turn to this creamy chicken casserole. It’s cozy, cheesy, and gives off the kind of warmth that reminds me of my mom’s kitchen. Back then, dinner wasn’t about finesse—it was about full bellies and seconds. This dish checks all the boxes for what makes a dinner worth repeating: simple steps, big flavor, and minimal cleanup. It lands somewhere between comfort food and a fridge clean-out miracle, especially if you’ve got leftover rice or broccoli begging to be used. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the cheese—there’s plenty, and it’s unapologetically melty. Whether you’re after easy chicken casserole recipes or hunting down healthy chicken casserole recipes that actually taste good, this one has your back. It’s a bit of a chameleon too—swap in cauliflower for rice, or turkey for chicken. Whatever works. It’s all here in this cheesy chicken casserole that plays nicely with broccoli and rice, making it one of my favorite chicken and rice casserole recipes easy enough for a weeknight.
Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Casserole
- 4) How to Make Creamy Chicken Casserole
- 5) Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Casserole
- 6) Making Creamy Chicken Casserole Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Creamy Chicken Casserole
- 8) Try these Main Course Recipes next!
- 9) Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- What ingredients do I need for chicken casserole recipes?
- How long should I bake a creamy chicken casserole?
- Can I make chicken casserole recipes ahead of time?
- What are some popular variations of easy chicken casserole recipes?
2) Easy Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
I have a soft spot for chicken casserole recipes. They’ve saved dinner more times than I can count. When the clock ticks past six and you realize all you’ve eaten is a half-eaten granola bar and two cups of coffee, this recipe steps in like a hero with a cape made of cheese.
This casserole is cozy and rich with shredded chicken, creamy sauce, rice, and broccoli all tied together with just the right amount of cheddar. It’s one of those easy casserole recipes that lets you toss everything into a dish and bake until bubbly. It doesn’t ask for fancy ingredients or flawless technique. Just you, a spoon, and maybe some stretchy pants.
It’s not just another cheesy chicken casserole. It checks a bunch of boxes: comfort food, family favorite, and even sneaky-healthy with those tender broccoli florets hiding in the mix. If you’ve got a soft spot for chicken and broccoli casserole recipes, you’re gonna feel right at home here.
3) Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Casserole
Shredded Chicken: Use cooked shredded chicken. Rotisserie works like magic and saves time.
Cooked Rice: White rice, preferably day-old, makes the base rich and filling. It also holds up beautifully in the oven.
Broccoli Florets: Lightly steamed or even raw if you like a bit of crunch after baking.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a melt and tang. Pre-shredded works fine, but freshly grated gives a deeper flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: A salty finish that deepens every bite. I usually sneak a pinch extra on top.
Cream of Chicken Soup: That can in the back of your pantry? Time to shine. It binds everything into one dreamy casserole.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess that smooths out the soup and gives it body.
Milk: Helps thin the sauce just enough to keep it creamy but not soupy.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These two are my flavor backup singers. Nothing too loud, but they round out the flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Don’t skip these. A few good pinches can wake the whole dish up.
Butter: Just a touch to grease the dish and get those crispy golden edges on the sides. Worth it.
4) How to Make Creamy Chicken Casserole
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and butter a 9×13 inch casserole dish. This helps the edges crisp and prevents sticking.
Step 2. In a large bowl, mix the chicken, rice, broccoli, cheddar, and parmesan. This mix should feel chunky and packed with goodies.
Step 3. Add the soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings. Stir until the whole mixture turns creamy and thick.
Step 4. Transfer the mix to your prepared dish and spread it out evenly with a spoon.
Step 5. Sprinkle extra cheddar on top. Yes, you should do this. No regrets later.
Step 6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden around the edges. Don’t pull it early. Those golden spots matter.
Step 7. Let it rest for five minutes before serving. I know it’s hard to wait, but the texture improves as it cools just slightly.
5) Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Casserole
I’ve tested this recipe more times than I care to admit. Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way.
Use leftover rice. It stays firm during baking and gives a better bite. Fresh rice sometimes gets mushy, and no one wants that.
If you want to go healthier, try swapping sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. It keeps that creamy vibe but cuts the fat.
Don’t be afraid to mix it up. Add mushrooms, swap broccoli for green beans, or sprinkle crushed crackers on top for a crunch. This dish forgives tweaks. That’s what makes chicken casserole recipes like this one a staple in busy kitchens.
6) Making Creamy Chicken Casserole Ahead of Time
I get it. Life gets busy. Some nights we plan, and some nights dinner plans us. This recipe works for both.
If you’re prepping ahead, mix everything and store it in the baking dish (covered) in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just leave off the cheese topping until baking.
When ready to bake, let it sit at room temp for 20 minutes, top with cheese, and bake as normal. That way you don’t shock your dish or yourself with a cold oven surprise.
7) Storing Leftover Creamy Chicken Casserole
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. I like using glass containers because they go straight from fridge to microwave.
If it looks a little thick after chilling, stir in a splash of milk before reheating. That brings the creamy texture back.
This dish even freezes well. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for best results.
8) Try these Main Course Recipes next!
9) Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Creamy Chicken Casserole: The Coziest Chicken Casserole Recipes Ever
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets (lightly steamed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter for greasing dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, rice, broccoli, cheddar cheese, and parmesan.
- Add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix everything until well combined. It’ll look a little messy, but that’s the magic.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with an extra sprinkle of cheddar if you like things extra cheesy. (I always do!)
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly, and the top is golden in spots.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. It’ll hold together better and won’t burn your tongue. (Learned that the hard way.)
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole | Calories: 410 | Sugar: 3.2 g | Sodium: 750 mg | Fat: 23 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Carbohydrates: 27 g | Fiber: 2.1 g | Protein: 24 g | Cholesterol: 65 mg
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