Name: Smothered Chicken and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488852H17M55S
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery); 1 and 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika; 2 tbsp butter (optional, for added richness); Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan meal—minimal cleanup and full of flavor
Creamy and comforting with classic ingredients
Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks
Customizable with vegetables, cheeses, or spices
Easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Long-grain white rice (uncooked)
Cream of chicken soup
Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
Chicken broth
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Butter (optional for added richness)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a light coating of butter.
Combine rice, soups, chicken broth, and seasonings (onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper) in the baking dish. Stir until well mixed.
Place the chicken on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle chicken with paprika and a bit more salt and pepper.
Dot with butter if desired, then cover tightly with foil.
Bake for 60–75 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking for a lightly golden top.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 60–75 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Add veggies: Mix in frozen peas, carrots, or green beans with the rice mixture.
Cheesy twist: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Spicy kick: Use Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes.
Use brown rice: Increase the broth and baking time accordingly, and cover tightly.
Creamier version: Stir in sour cream or cream cheese before baking for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

FAQs

Can I use instant rice?

No, instant rice will become mushy. Stick with long-grain white rice for best results.

Do I need to cook the rice before baking?

No, the rice cooks in the oven as it absorbs the broth and soups.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but increase the baking time and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F.

Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely—chicken thighs stay juicy and are a great choice for this dish.

What if my rice isn’t fully cooked?

Cover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, adding a splash of broth if it looks dry.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Should the casserole be covered while baking?

Yes, cover it with foil to trap moisture and cook the rice evenly.

Can I use homemade cream soup?

Yes, homemade versions of cream of chicken or mushroom soup work perfectly.

How do I know when it’s done?

The rice should be tender and the chicken cooked through to 165°F internally.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, though texture may vary. Cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Conclusion

Smothered Chicken and Rice Casserole is the definition of cozy comfort food. With juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and tender rice all baked together in one dish, it’s a reliable go-to recipe that satisfies both hunger and the soul. Ideal for weeknights or special family meals, this casserole will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.