Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe

Craving Comfort Without the Fuss? Meet Your New Go-To Casserole!

Are you tired after a long day and dreading the thought of a complicated dinner? Do you find yourself reaching for takeout menus more often than not? For many of us, that weeknight dinner dilemma is a constant battle. But what if you could have a hearty, comforting, and incredibly delicious meal on the table with minimal effort? That’s exactly where this Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole comes in. It’s the ultimate solution for busy evenings, combining tender chicken, creamy soups, and fluffy rice into a harmonious, one-dish wonder. This recipe is designed for ease, proving that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to achieve deeply satisfying flavors.

Effortless Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity and the pantry-friendly ingredients. You likely have most of these on hand, making it perfect for those spontaneous “I need something good to eat NOW” moments.

For the Casserole:

• Chicken: 2 cups cooked, shredded or diced chicken (rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here – its pre-cooked, seasoned goodness makes this truly “lazy”!)
• Rice: 1.5 cups uncooked white rice (long-grain white rice like Jasmine or Basmati works wonderfully for its fluffy texture, but you can also use brown rice for a fiber boost – just adjust cooking time!)
• Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup (this is the creamy backbone, but condensed cream of mushroom or even cream of celery can work in a pinch for a slightly different flavor profile)
• Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (adds another layer of creamy richness and depth)
• Liquid: 1.5 cups chicken broth or water (broth adds more savory flavor, water is perfectly fine if that’s what you have)
• Dairy: 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for that extra tangy creaminess that balances the rich soups)
• Aromatics: 1/2 cup chopped onion (fresh onion adds a lovely sweetness and aroma as it bakes; you can substitute with 1 teaspoon onion powder if you’re really pressed for time or don’t have fresh)
• Flavor Boost: 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic for a punchier flavor)
• Seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste, especially if using salted broth)
• Seasoning: 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground pepper always tastes best)

Optional Toppings (for that “extra mile” touch):

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (melts beautifully over the top in the last 10 minutes)
• Crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (for a delightful crunchy contrast)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for a pop of color and freshness)

Time Well Spent (or Not Spent!): Casserole Timing

Let’s talk time. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimum active time.

Step-by-Step: The Magic Happens Here!

Get ready to be amazed by how simple this is. Seriously, it’s almost too easy to be this good!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven & Prep Dish

First things first, let’s get that oven nice and toasty. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. No need to grease it – the creamy soup mixture will do a fantastic job of keeping everything from sticking.

Step 2: Combine Everything in One Dish

This is where the magic really begins. In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, shredded or diced cooked chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, condensed cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth (or water), sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together really well until it’s all nicely combined and the rice is evenly distributed. Make sure that chicken and those creamy soups coat every grain of rice!

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is crucial for allowing the rice to steam and cook through without drying out. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it generously over the top right now. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the casserole is bubbly around the edges, and the cheese (if using) is melted and beautifully golden. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be absolutely irresistible!

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately! Let the casserole rest, uncovered, for about 5-10 minutes. This brief resting period allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set up slightly, making it easier to serve. Spoon generous portions into bowls. If you opted for the cracker topping, sprinkle it over the top just before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy your incredibly easy, yet wonderfully comforting, meal!

Nutritional Snapshot

While this dish is designed for comfort and convenience, it packs a good amount of protein and carbohydrates. Exact nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities used.

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving (this can vary depending on the fat content of soups and added cheese)
• Protein: Good source from chicken
• Carbohydrates: Primarily from rice
• Fat: Contributes to the creamy texture and satiety

Making it Healthier Without Sacrificing Flavor

We all love comfort food, but sometimes we want to lighten things up a bit. Here are some easy swaps:

• Lower-Sodium Soups: Opt for “reduced sodium” or “light” versions of the condensed soups. You might need to add a touch more salt to compensate.
• Greek Yogurt: Replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and a tangy note with less fat and more protein.
• Brown Rice: Swap white rice for brown rice. It offers more fiber and a nutty flavor. Be sure to increase the cooking time and liquid slightly as brown rice takes longer to cook.
• Leaner Chicken: Use lean chicken breast or even turkey.
• Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 15-20 minutes of baking, or mix in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms at the beginning.
• Reduced Fat Cheese: If using cheese, opt for a reduced-fat variety.

Serving Your Creamy Dream

This casserole is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few additions to round out your plate:

• Bright Greens: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.
• Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus offer a fresh contrast.
• Crusty Bread: If you didn’t use crackers as a topping, a slice of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe, a few small missteps can affect the outcome:

• Under-seasoning: Frozen soups can be salty, but they also lack fresh flavor. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust seasoning before baking, especially if you’re using low-sodium options.
• Not covering while baking: Skipping the foil cover for the initial baking time will result in undercooked, crunchy rice.
• Over-mixing: While you want everything combined, don’t beat it into a paste. Gentle mixing is key.
• Skipping the rest time: A few minutes of resting helps the casserole firm up, preventing a watery mess when served.

Storing Your Leftovers (if there are any!)

This casserole is a star even the next day!

• Refrigeration: Once cooled, cover the casserole dish tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat is in a moderate oven (around 325°F / 160°C) until heated through, either covered or uncovered. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. It might be slightly less creamy after refrigeration, but still delicious!
• Freezing: While this casserole freezes reasonably well, the texture of the rice and creaminess can sometimes change. If you plan to freeze it, do so before baking it fully, or freeze portions already baked and cooled. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

A hearty and comforting casserole that combines tender chicken, creamy soups, and flavorful rice for an effortless meal.

• Author: Chef Samantha

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cupuncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cupslow-sodium chicken broth
• 1(10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1(10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cupsour cream
• 1/4 cupfinely diced yellow onion
• 1 teaspoongarlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoononion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2to4boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoonolive oil or melted butter (optional)
• Paprika (optional)

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole bakes evenly and crisply when you place it inside. While the oven is heating, take a moment to lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups with the sour cream and chicken broth. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth mixture. Adding garlic powder, onion powder, along with salt and pepper will infuse the base with flavor. This creamy concoction serves as the heart of your casserole.
3. Pour the uncooked rice into the greased baking dish, then toss in the finely diced onions. It’s important not to cook the rice first—baking it allows it to absorb flavors and moisture from the creamy sauce as it cooks. Carefully pour the creamy soup mixture over the rice and onions, stirring gently to ensure everything is evenly combined.
4. Next, place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture in a single layer to allow for even cooking. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika if desired—it adds a subtle yet appealing flavor. For an extra touch of richness, brush olive oil or melted butter on top of the chicken before moving to the next step.
5. Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help create steam, allowing both the chicken and rice to cook perfectly. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for a total of 50 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the flavorful broth, and the chicken will become tender.
6. After the initial baking time, carefully remove the foil (be cautious of the hot steam) and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. This step will allow the chicken to brown slightly on top while the casserole finishes cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Once the casserole is finished cooking, allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the casserole set and allows the liquid to absorb a bit more into the rice, ensuring every bite is deliciously creamy without being overly soupy.

Notes

For a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the chicken broth with milk or cream. Adjust the level of seasoning according to your taste preferences—casseroles are very forgiving!

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 30 g