Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken and Rice Casserole is the most kid friendly dinner ever.

Dinner this summer is has been difficult. My kids have been extra picky this year and it’s been an adventure to find something that they will eat. This is mild and has good plain things that the picky eaters are more likely to try. The kids liked this, Grey said he loved it! It’s delicious.

If your family is anything like mine, then weeknight dinners can feel a little like a game of culinary roulette—will they like it, or will it end up feeding the dog under the table? That’s why I LOVE a recipe that comes together in a snap, uses pantry staples, and leaves the family licking their plates. Enter: Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole. 💕

This is one of those recipes—the kind you scribble down on an index card from your grandma, fold into your purse, and pass along like a family heirloom. It’s simple, creamy, hearty, and practically foolproof. We’re talking juicy chunks of chicken, buttery rice, and three—yes THREE—different creamy soups to give you that warm hug-in-a-bowl feeling we all crave after a long day.

Let’s dive in!

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients

3 chicken breasts, cubed
2 cups water
2 cups white rice
1/2 cup medium yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
salt and pepper to taste
1 stick of butter, sliced into pats

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Directions

Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease sides and bottom of a casserole dish.
Stir chicken, water, rice, onion, garlic, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and cream of mushroom soup together in the prepared casserole dish; season with salt and pepper.
Arrange butter evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, 60 to 75 minutes.
Cool 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

💡 Cooking Tips

Chicken Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is fully cooked—165°F (74°C) is the magic number.
Rice Notes: Long-grain white rice works best here. Brown rice takes longer and may dry things out unless you adjust the liquid.
Want a bit of color? Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas or diced carrots before baking for some veggie love.
Crunch Factor: Add crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden crunch.

Chicken and Rice Casserole

🧠 Nutritional Breakdown (per generous serving, makes ~6 servings)

Estimated values. Exact numbers may vary depending on brands and substitutions.

Calories: ~520
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 25g
Sodium: 1120mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g

Yes, this dish is rich—but it fills you up, satisfies every creamy craving, and with a fresh salad on the side, you’ve got a balanced plate!

🌀 Variations We Love

Let’s be honest—there’s no such thing as a wrong way to make chicken and rice casserole. Here are some of our favorite tweaks:

1. Mexican Twist

Swap cream of celery for a can of enchilada sauce, toss in black beans, and sprinkle with shredded cheddar during the last 10 minutes of baking.

2. Veggie Explosion

Chop up broccoli florets or mushrooms and mix them into the casserole before baking. You’ll sneak in extra nutrients and add a whole new texture.

3. Cheesy Dream

Add 1 to 1½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella to the mix. Sprinkle more on top before baking for that gooey, golden finish.

4. Slow Cooker Version

Mix all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2½-3 hours. Just check the rice and chicken for doneness.

5. Lightened Up

Use low-sodium soup alternatives, reduced-fat butter, and sub half of the rice with cauliflower rice to cut carbs

Chicken and Rice Casserole

💭 Final Thoughts

This dish has everything going for it. It’s economical. It’s belly-warming. And most importantly, it’s got the magical power to hush a table full of hangry kids faster than you can say “dinner’s ready!”

So go ahead and give this Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole a place on your weeknight menu—trust me, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

If you try it, let me know how it turned out in the comments below—or tag me on Instagram because I LIVE to see your creations. 💬📸

Happy cooking, sweet friends! Stay cozy and full. 💗

Let me know if you’d like ideas for side dishes to pair it with!