1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
  2. Add the uncooked rice, reduce the heat to low, and cover.
  3. Cook the rice for about 15-18 minutes (or according to package instructions) until tender. Set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

  1. If using raw chicken, cook it by boiling, baking, or sautéing until fully done.
  2. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Mix the Creamy Base

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sautéed onion and garlic.
  2. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme to taste.
  3. Stir in the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and frozen mixed vegetables until well combined.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Pour the creamy chicken and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
  2. Spread it evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Add the Toppings

  1. Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top for a gooey finish.
  2. If you like a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs lightly over the cheese.

Step 8: Bake the Casserole

  1. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven.
  2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

  1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
  3. Serve warm and enjoy with a side salad or crusty bread.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

  1. Make It Lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or reduced-fat cream of chicken soup.
  2. Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken.
  3. Flavor Boost: Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the creamy base for added depth of flavor.
  4. Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or extra vegetables and use cream of mushroom soup instead.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This creamy chicken and rice casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome ingredients that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can customize the vegetables, cheese, or seasonings to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, as leftovers taste even better the next day.

Conclusion

Creamy chicken and rice casserole is more than just a dish—it’s a hug in a bowl. Its hearty flavors, creamy texture, and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!