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Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

creamy cheesy chicken and rice casserole - featured image
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A comforting and easy-to-make casserole featuring tender chicken, creamy cheesy sauce, and fluffy rice, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups milk (whole milk preferred; dairy-free alternatives like oat or almond milk can be used)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour can be used)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • Optional toppings:
  • ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium pot, bring 3 cups chicken broth to a boil. Add 1 ½ cups uncooked rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  3. While rice cooks, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons flour over the sautéed onion and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Slowly whisk in 1 ½ cups milk, keeping the mixture smooth. Cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring often.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar, ½ cup grated Parmesan, and 1 cup sour cream. Stir gently until cheeses melt and sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with 1 teaspoon dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and creamy cheese sauce until evenly coated.
  7. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
  8. Sprinkle ½ cup crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs evenly on top for a crispy finish.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  10. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If topping browns too fast, tent casserole with foil halfway through baking. Add a splash more milk if sauce is too thick before baking. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results. Rest casserole after baking to set and make serving easier. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and toppings. For dairy-free, use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/creamy-cheesy-chicken-and-rice-casserole-recipe-for-easy-cozy-dinners/