The Queens Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Fit for a Sunday Roast

The Queens Creamy Rice and Chicken Casserole Recipe

By Kendra ThompsonOctober 3, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some proper comfort food ? Have you ever craved something warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying? This creamy rice and chicken casserole is it. It's seriously delicious.

Brief Overview

This creamy chicken casserole recipe is inspired by classic American comfort food. Think chicken a la king casserole , but even easier.

It's a simple bake, ready in under an hour. This recipe makes enough for 6 hungry people.

Main Benefits

This comfort food casserole is packed with protein and surprisingly easy to throw together. It's the perfect easy weeknight dinner , especially when you've had a long day.

What makes this recipe special? It tastes like home.

Ready to make this tasty casserole?

Is this the Ultimate Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe?

Honestly, I'm not sure ANY recipe is the "ultimate", but this one is darn good. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a warm and satisfying meal.

Did you know that casseroles date back to the 18th century? Well, now you do. It's a tradition worth keeping alive, don't you think?

make-ahead Chicken Casserole - Saving Time and Stress

This make-ahead chicken casserole recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. You can prep it in advance. Just assemble and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.

It's brilliant for meal planning, honestly. I sometimes even double the batch!

Gathering our Bits and Pieces - Ingredients

Before we dive in, let's make sure you have everything ready. This recipe uses basic ingredients. You might even have most of them already!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!

So, you fancy making a creamy rice and chicken casserole , do you? This comfort food casserole is proper lush! Here's what you'll need.

Honestly, it's mostly stuff you probably already have. It's dead easy , this chicken and rice casserole easy recipe.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Here’s what you'll need for this creamy chicken casserole recipe :

Butter: 2 tablespoons (30ml) unsalted. This is crucial, don't use salted butter!
Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped. You want it about 1 cup (150g) .
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Honestly, who doesn't love garlic?
Flour: ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose.
Chicken Broth: 2 cups (475ml) , low sodium is best.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) . Don't skimp here, it's creamy for a reason!
Thyme: ½ teaspoon dried.
Pepper: ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
Salt: ¼ teaspoon , or to taste.
Cooked Chicken: 2 cups (400g) , shredded or cubed. Rotisserie chicken is your best mate for this. The best rotisserie chicken casserole hack!
Mixed Vegetables: 1 cup (150g) frozen, thawed.
Cooked Rice: 3 cups (550g) long grain, cooled.
Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (100g) shredded. Or any cheesy chicken rice casserole cheese that tickles your fancy!

Ingredient Tip : For the chicken, try to use good quality chicken, either breast or thigh will work. If it doesn't taste of anything, it won't add any flavor to the creamy rice and chicken casserole .

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Power!

Don't be shy with your spices! The thyme and pepper are key here. This is basically chicken a la king casserole but easier! This one-pot chicken casserole is perfect when you want flavour, and quickly! You can use a pinch of paprika too, if you are that way inclined.

Want it spicy? A pinch of cayenne pepper will do the trick!. Remember it's ok to adjust the seasoning to your taste!

Equipment Needed: Your Kitchen Crew

Large skillet or Dutch oven.
9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Whisk.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Cutting board.
Knife.

If you haven't got a fancy whisk, don't worry! A fork will do. Likewise, if you are feeling lazy just bake the creamy rice and chicken casserole inside the oven safe Dutch oven and save on washing up! Honestly, this makes it an easy weeknight dinner !

Cooking Up the Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Right then, let's get started on this creamy rice and chicken casserole . This is, honestly, one of those dishes that just screams "comfort food casserole," doesn't it?

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Before we dive in, a bit of "mise en place" is key. Chop that onion, mince the garlic, and shred your chicken.

I swear, getting everything ready beforehand saves so much time. I usually use a rotisserie chicken casserole to make this an easy weeknight dinner .

Quick tip: thaw your frozen veg in a colander while you're prepping. Also, don't be a numpty! Make sure to wash your hands before you start cooking.

step-by-step: Easy Peasy Chicken Squeezy

Here's how we're gonna make this creamy chicken casserole recipe .

Heat things up: Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Sauté the aromatics: Melt 2 tablespoons (30ml) of butter in a pan. Cook your chopped onion for 5 mins then add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for one minute more.
Whip up the sauce: Whisk in 1/4 cup (30g) flour until all good. Gradually whisk in 2 cups (475ml) of chicken broth.
Thicken it up: Simmer the sauce for about 5 mins, stirring regularly until thickened.
Creamy goodness: Stir in 1 cup (240ml) of heavy cream, and season it with 1/2 tsp thyme, 1/4 tsp pepper, and salt.
Mix it all together: Stir in 2 cups (400g) of cooked chicken, 1 cup (150g) of thawed mixed veg, and 3 cups (550g) of cooked rice.
Casserole time: Pour the mixture into your prepared dish.
Cheesy finish: Sprinkle 1 cup (100g) of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 25- 30 minutes or until golden.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole Game

Want to take this cheesy chicken rice casserole to the next level? Try adding a splash of sherry to the sauce for a fancy touch.

A common mistake? Overbaking! That casserole should be bubbly and golden but not dry. Need to make it ahead? Assemble the casserole, cover it, and keep it in the fridge overnight.

This chicken and rice casserole easy to adapt using leftover chicken casserole . Oh my gosh, a make-ahead chicken casserole makes life so much easier!

Recipe Notes: The Nitty Gritty

Right, let's chat about the bits and bobs of this creamy rice and chicken casserole recipe. I've made this comfort food casserole more times than I can count.

Honestly, I reckon I could do it in my sleep! I've learned a few tricks along the way. Here's the insider info.

Ace Serving Ideas

Okay, so you've pulled your creamy chicken casserole recipe from the oven. Now what? Plating is key! I like to dollop a generous spoonful into a bowl.

Then, a sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look dead posh. For sides? A simple green salad is always a winner.

It cuts through the richness of the casserole. Steamed green beans or broccoli are also great! A glass of chilled white wine is perfect for the grown ups.

It's chicken and rice casserole easy to pair!

Storing Like a Pro

Got leftovers? You are lucky! This make-ahead chicken casserole is amazing reheated. Pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge.

It'll keep for 3-4 days . If you are thinking longer term, freezing is your best mate! Portion it out into freezer safe containers.

It'll last for up to 3 months there. To reheat from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

You can microwave it too. It can be part of a easy weeknight dinner .

Twists and Turns

Fancy a change? I hear you! It is a cheesy chicken rice casserole , but you can still change it.

For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for oat cream. Use dairy-free cheese. Easy peasy! Want a bit of spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Sorted! Got some leftover chicken casserole ? Don't bin it! Turn it into a pie filling with a puff pastry lid! You can make a rotisserie chicken casserole or a chicken a la king casserole .

I have tried this one-pot chicken casserole and is just amazing.

Quick Nutrition Lowdown

Right, let's talk numbers. Each serving of this casserole is about 450 calories . It's packed with protein (30g) from the chicken.

There's also a good chunk of carbs (30g) from the rice. It also contains 25g of fat. Remember, these are just estimates.

The actual values will depend on your ingredients. But overall, this creamy rice and chicken casserole is a balanced and satisfying meal.

So, there you have it! Go on, give this recipe a go. You won't regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the creamy rice and chicken casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Like a good Sunday roast, this casserole can be prepped in advance. Assemble everything up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through properly. It’s a real time saver for busy weeknights!

My creamy rice and chicken casserole turned out a bit dry. What went wrong?

Oh dear, that's a bit of a bother! A dry casserole usually means it was overbaked, or there wasn't enough liquid to begin with. Make sure you're using the correct amount of chicken broth and heavy cream. Also, check for doneness after 25 minutes, and if the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.

Nobody wants a dry casserole, it should be creamy and lush!

I'm not a fan of cheddar. What other cheese can I use in this creamy rice and chicken casserole?

No worries, cheddar isn't everyone's cup of tea! Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a mild provolone would work beautifully in this casserole. They all melt well and add a lovely flavour. You could even use a blend of cheeses for a more complex taste, just like they do on 'The Great British Bake Off'!

Can I freeze leftover creamy rice and chicken casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it, but bear in mind that the texture of the rice and sauce might change slightly upon thawing. Let the casserole cool completely, then cut it into individual portions and wrap them tightly in freezer safe bags or containers.

It's best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal quality, so label the package with the date. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave.

Is there a way to make this creamy rice and chicken casserole healthier?

Certainly! You can lighten things up by using low-sodium chicken broth, opting for brown rice instead of white, and swapping the heavy cream with a lighter alternative like evaporated milk or even a cashew cream.

Loading it up with more veggies, such as broccoli florets, spinach or peas, will add nutrients and help keep your calorie count down. It's all about balance, isn't it?

I don't have any cream! Can I still make this creamy rice and chicken casserole?

Don't let that stop you! You can still achieve a creamy texture. Try using a mixture of milk and cornstarch (about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup of cold milk per cup of cream) as a substitute.

Sour cream or Greek yogurt are another great option, whisk them in at the end of the cooking time, and not letting it boil, to prevent curdling.