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Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Easy Recipe with Cheesy Golden Crust

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A comforting and creamy chicken and rice casserole topped with a cheesy golden crust, perfect for quick family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1½ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup whole milk (or dairy-free alternative like unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • Optional topping: ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cream soup, milk, chicken broth, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Stir in uncooked rice, cooked chicken, and sautéed onion and garlic into the wet mixture until evenly combined.
  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. If using, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter over the cheese.
  7. Cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden brown.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free, omit panko breadcrumbs or use gluten-free alternatives. For dairy-free, substitute milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives. Watch cheese closely during uncovered baking to avoid burning. Leftovers store well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with added broth if dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, creamy chicken and rice, cheesy casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, rotisserie chicken recipe

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/creamy-chicken-and-rice-casserole-easy-recipe-with-cheesy-golden-crust/