This Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole is the perfect dish when you’re short on time and want something tasty! With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy sauce, it’s comforting and satisfying.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a one-pan meal? Just mix everything, pop it in the oven, and relax while it cooks. It’s like a warm hug in a dish, and leftovers are great for lunch too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Skinless boneless chicken breasts keep the dish lean. You can use thighs for more flavor or even leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is great for this casserole. If you prefer, you can substitute it with brown rice, but adjust the cooking time because it takes longer to cook.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This is key for creaminess. A homemade version can be made if you want to avoid canned soups. You can also use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor!
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tang. Greek yogurt works as a healthier substitute and gives a similar texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives excellent flavor. Feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicy kick.
Almonds: While optional, they add a nice crunch. If nuts aren’t your thing, you could leave them out or use panko breadcrumbs instead for a crispy topping.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken properly is crucial for safety and taste. Here are tips to make sure your chicken comes out just right:
- Use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part.
- Consider covering the casserole with foil for most of the baking time. This helps keep the chicken moist.
- After uncovering, let the casserole bake until the top is golden brown—this makes for a delicious contrast of textures.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken tender and juicy.
Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 15 minutes to prep and about 1 hour and 20 minutes to bake, giving you a total of around 1 hour and 35 minutes before it’s ready to serve. Perfect for a cozy evening meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the long-grain white rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced onion, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. This creamy mixture is what will make your casserole so delicious!
3. Prepare the Casserole Dish:
Take a 9×13 inch casserole dish and grease it with olive oil. This prevents your casserole from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the rice and soup mixture into the greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks well. Then, place the chicken breasts on top of the mixture. Season these with a little salt and pepper, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
5. Optional Almond Topping:
If you want a little crunch, now’s the time to sprinkle slivered almonds on top of the cheese. They add a nice texture and flavor!
6. Bake the Casserole:
Cover your casserole dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake it for 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to cook through.
7. Final Baking:
After an hour, carefully remove the foil. Then, continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will help everything settle. Serve the casserole hot and enjoy your delicious Lazy Day meal with family or friends!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but keep in mind that brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. For this recipe, you may need to increase the chicken broth to 2.5 cups and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure the brown rice is fully cooked. Just make sure to check for doneness before serving!
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Chicken Soup?
No problem! You can make a homemade substitute by mixing 1 cup of chicken broth with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, then heating until thickened. Alternatively, you can use cream of mushroom soup or a similar creamy soup for a different flavor profile without sacrificing texture.
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just add about 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time if you bake it straight from the fridge. This can save you time on busy days!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth to retain moisture during reheating.
