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Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

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A quick and easy creamy chicken and rice casserole that delivers comforting, hearty flavors with simple pantry staples. Perfect for cozy family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Set aside.
  3. While the rice cooks, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in milk and remaining ½ cup chicken broth. Cook until the sauce thickens and bubbles gently, about 5 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Then fold in sour cream, salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Keep the sauce warm but don’t let it boil.
  6. In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and creamy sauce until well combined.
  7. Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  8. Place in preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking before serving.

Notes

If sauce is too thick before mixing, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen. Cover casserole loosely with foil during first 15 minutes of baking to retain moisture. Soften cream cheese properly to avoid lumps. Use freshly cooked chicken for best texture. Let casserole rest 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken casserole, chicken and rice casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, casserole recipe, family meal

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/creamy-chicken-and-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-comfort-meal-idea/