Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole
Creamy chicken and rice casserole combines tender chicken, melted American cheese, and seasoned rice in a comforting baked dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup margarine or butter, divided ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 4 to 5 cups cubed cooked chicken ⓘ
- 12 oz processed American cheese, cubed ⓘ
- 2 cups sour cream ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups crushed butter flavored crackers ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread cooked rice into a greased 3-quart baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth.
- Gradually add milk, chicken bouillon granules, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly.
- Reduce heat to low. Add cooked chicken, cubed American cheese, and sour cream. Stir until the cheese melts and mixture is smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the rice in the baking dish.
- Melt remaining butter and toss with crushed butter-flavored crackers. Sprinkle cracker crumbs over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through and topping is golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and low-fat cheese. If you don't have American cheese, cheddar or Monterey Jack are great substitutes. You can also add vegetables like peas or broccoli for extra nutrition. Make sure to stir the sauce continuously until it thickens to prevent lumps, ensuring a creamy texture similar to Chicken With Wild Rice Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken and rice casserole is perfect served with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots for added color and nutrition. For a fun twist, serve it alongside a fruit salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture. If the casserole appears dry, add a splash of milk before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole contains roughly 813 calories, with 13g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2069mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Assemble the dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, as it will be cold when you put it in the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).