Creamy Chicken and Rice with Mushroom Casserole
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Looking for a comforting, no-fuss dinner? This creamy chicken and rice bake delivers every time. Made with tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a rich, creamy base, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. The simple ingredients and hands-off baking time make it perfect for busy weeknights. The recipe yields four generous portions, but it’s easy to scale down for two—or save the extra for meal prep and enjoy delicious leftovers the next day.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken & Rice with Mushroom Casserole
- One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan—easy to prep, easy to clean.
- Ultra-Comforting Texture: Creamy sauce coats every bite of tender chicken and rice.
- Flavor in Every Layer: Herbs, spices, and soups infuse richness throughout the dish.
- Customizable Ingredients: Swap soups, veggies, or chicken cuts to fit what you have.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully, making it ideal for next-day meals or meal prep.
Ingredients Needed To Make Creamy Chicken & Rice with Mushrooms Casserole
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Mushrooms
- Rice
- Chicken stock
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Cream of celery soup
- Milk
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Thyme leaves
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
Oven Temperatures
Oven temperatures can vary significantly from one oven to another. To achieve consistent results, it’s crucial to know the exact temperature inside your oven. The safest and most accurate way to determine this is by using an oven thermometer. This simple tool can help you avoid underbaking or overbaking your treats.
How To Make Creamy Chicken & Rice with Mushroom Casserole
- Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and chicken stock. Cook according to the package directions, then set aside.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, milk, mushrooms, and all the seasonings (salt, pepper, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder).
- Assemble the dish: Spread the cooked rice evenly into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Add the sauce: Pour the creamy mushroom mixture over the rice and gently spread it out.
- Top with chicken: Lay the chicken breasts over the sauce. Sprinkle a little extra salt and pepper over the chicken, then spoon some of the sauce on top to keep it moist.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I cut this recipe in half?
Absolutely! This recipe makes 4 hearty servings, but it’s easy to scale down. Just halve all the ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch dish instead of a 9×13. Perfect for serving two or saving one portion for leftovers.
Do I have to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?
Nope! You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts if that’s what you have. Just increase the bake time by about 10–15 minutes, and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What kind of rice works best?
Any rice variety works here—white, brown, jasmine, or basmati. Just follow the cooking directions on the package before assembling the casserole.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything in advance—cook the rice, mix the sauce, and layer the dish—then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of mushrooms?
If mushrooms aren’t your thing, swap them for chopped spinach, broccoli, or leave them out entirely. The dish is still delicious without them.
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can use dairy-free cream soups and an unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond milk. Just make sure your substitutions are labeled for cooking or baking to avoid separation.
Does this reheat well?
It reheats beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Creamy Chicken and Rice with Mushrooms Casserole
Equipment
- Medium saucepan (for cooking rice)
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Whisk or spoon (for mixing the sauce)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board (for slicing mushrooms)
- Oven-safe thermometer (to check chicken doneness)
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on can also be used—just increase the bake time by 10–15 minutes)
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms, portabella or button
- 1 leek, cleaned and chopped, white and light green part
- 2 cups rice
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 10.5 oz cream of celery soup (can sub cream of chicken)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp thyme leaves
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 ½ cups milk
Instructions
Creamy Chicken and Rice with Mushrooms Casserole
- Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine rice and chicken stock. Cook according to the package directions. Set aside once done.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, milk, mushrooms, salt, pepper, thyme, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the cooked rice evenly into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour the sauce mixture over the rice and gently spread it out.
- Add the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper. Spoon a little of the sauce over each piece of chicken to help keep it moist during baking.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest & serve: Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
This creamy baked chicken and rice casserole is the perfect easy weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken breasts, flavorful mushrooms, and comforting creamy soups all baked to perfection. With simple ingredients like cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, and chicken stock, this hearty casserole is both delicious and convenient to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or a comforting dish to warm you up, this baked chicken and rice recipe delivers on taste and ease. Be sure to try this casserole soon for a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
