Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—warm, creamy, and packed with flavor. This one-pan meal features tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this dish is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Convenience – Everything cooks in a single baking dish, making clean-up a breeze.
Rich & Creamy – The combination of cream of celery soup, butter, and melted cheese creates a deliciously creamy texture.
Perfectly Baked Rice – The rice absorbs all the flavors while cooking, resulting in a fluffy and flavorful dish.
Kid-Friendly – A comforting, cheesy meal that even picky eaters will love.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble ahead of time and bake when needed for an easy meal prep option.

Ingredients

2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
3 cups chicken broth
2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of celery soup
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cream of celery soup, and melted butter until smooth.
Stir in uncooked rice, cubed chicken, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover tightly with foil.
Bake for 70 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until bubbly.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 80 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Variations

Creamier Texture – Use cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of celery.
Extra Veggies – Add peas, carrots, or broccoli for a more balanced meal.
Different Cheeses – Try mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for a twist on the flavor.
Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Brown Rice Option – Substitute brown rice, but increase the cooking time by 15-20 minutes and add an extra 1/2 cup of broth.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if needed to keep it creamy.
Freezing: Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of raw?

Yes, but reduce the baking time to 50 minutes since the chicken is already cooked.

2. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, but cooking times may vary. Brown rice will take longer, while instant rice will cook much faster.

3. What can I use instead of cream of celery soup?

You can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.

4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

5. How do I prevent the rice from being undercooked?

Make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil and let it bake long enough to fully absorb the liquid.

6. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! Broccoli, peas, or bell peppers make great additions.

7. Is it necessary to cover the casserole while baking?

Yes, covering the dish ensures the rice cooks properly and doesn’t dry out.

8. What if my casserole is too dry?

Add a little extra chicken broth before reheating to bring back moisture.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

10. What should I serve with this casserole?

It pairs well with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort food—easy, cheesy, and satisfying. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this one-pan meal is perfect for feeding the whole family. Whether served fresh or reheated as leftovers, this dish will quickly become a household favorite. Try it today and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!