This Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole is comfort food at its best! It’s packed with tender chicken, creamy soup, and fluffy rice all in one dish.
I love how everything cooks together, making dinner clean-up a breeze. Perfect for those days when you just want to relax and enjoy a hearty meal without any fuss!
Just mix it all up, pop it in the oven, and soon you’ll have a warm, cozy dinner ready to serve. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for their lean meat. If you’re looking for a quicker option, rotisserie chicken works well, too!
Rice: Long grain white rice is the star here, but you can substitute it with brown rice; just remember it might need more cooking time and liquid.
Chicken Broth: Homemade chicken broth is ideal for flavor, but store-bought works perfectly fine. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
Cream of Chicken Soup: If you’re avoiding canned soups, a homemade cream sauce made with cream, butter, and seasonings can be a good swap, or use cream of mushroom for a twist.
Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar adds a nice touch, feel free to replace it with mozzarella for a milder flavor or leave it out for a lighter version.
How Can I Ensure My Rice is Perfectly Cooked in the Casserole?
A key aspect of this casserole is getting the rice just right. The liquid from the chicken broth and soup helps cook the rice while the chicken bubbles away above. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine all your liquids first, ensuring you mix thoroughly before adding the rice for even cooking.
- Use a deep casserole dish to provide enough space for the liquid to simmer and cook the rice properly.
- Cover the dish with foil initially to trap steam, helping the rice cook evenly. Remove it later to let the chicken brown.
Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For Serving:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Olive oil (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 60 minutes to cook, making a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s a simple and comforting dish that’s perfect for a lazy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly. Make sure your oven is ready before you move on to the next steps!
2. Prepare the Rice Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the long grain rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, finely chopped onion, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. You want a nice homogenous mixture to set the foundation for your casserole.
3. Prepare the Casserole Dish:
Take a large casserole dish and grease it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Then, carefully pour the rice mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly. This will be the base for your chicken.
4. Add the Chicken:
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts right on top of the rice mixture. If you’d like, now is a great time to sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken for some extra flavor!
5. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 50 minutes to let all those wonderful flavors meld together.
6. Finish Cooking:
After 50 minutes, remove the foil from the dish and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes. You want to make sure the chicken is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). It should be juicy and tender!
7. Prepare the Broccoli:
While your casserole is finishing up in the oven, it’s time to prepare the broccoli. You can steam or sauté the florets until they are bright green and tender, which will make a perfect side dish to this creamy chicken casserole.
8. Let it Rest:
Once the casserole is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This allows everything to settle and makes serving easier.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, dish out the creamy chicken and rice onto plates, with the broccoli on the side. Enjoy your comforting Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole with family and friends!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the chicken broth to about 3.5 cups and bake the casserole for an additional 20-30 minutes until the brown rice is tender.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you prefer a healthier option or don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can make a homemade substitute by mixing 1 cup of chicken broth with 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of butter, heated until thickened. You can also use cream of mushroom soup or a plant-based soup for a different flavor.
How to Store Leftover Casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For best results, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent the rice from drying out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly. If using frozen vegetables, they can be added directly to the rice mixture before baking.
