Nothing beats the comfort of a warm, hearty casserole on a cozy evening, and this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Rice Casserole Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Packed with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and luscious creamy sauce all baked together with rice, it delivers satisfying textures and rich flavors in every bite. It’s a one-dish wonder that feels special yet comes together with simple ingredients, making it a beloved favorite to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role, whether it’s bringing creaminess, savoriness, or a fresh pop of flavor. The list is wonderfully straightforward, ensuring that your dish stays delicious without overwhelming complexity.
- Chicken breast (2 cups, cooked and shredded or cubed): Provides tender protein that complements the creamy rice.
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup, uncooked): Absorbs all the lovely sauce flavors and gives the casserole its comforting base.
- White button mushrooms (8 oz, sliced): Adds earthy depth and a meaty texture that elevates the dish.
- Yellow onion (1/2 cup, finely diced): Brings gentle sweetness and aroma when sautéed.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the casserole with a warm, savory kick.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sauté the veggies evenly while adding a subtle richness.
- Chicken broth (1¾ cups): The flavorful liquid base that keeps the rice moist and tender.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates a luxuriously creamy texture in the sauce.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tangy richness that balances the earthy mushrooms and chicken.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup grated, plus extra for topping): Delivers savory umami notes and helps thicken the casserole’s sauce.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon, adjust to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a gentle heat and depth.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Sprinkles subtle herbaceous notes that pair beautifully with chicken and mushrooms.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright finish to the final presentation.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Mushroom Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and make sure your casserole bakes evenly. This prep sets you up for perfect baking results.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until they soften and become translucent—about 3 to 4 minutes. Then toss in minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Keep sautéing until the mushrooms brown and release their moisture, around 5 to 7 minutes. This deepens the flavors, creating a savory foundation for the casserole.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
While the vegetables cook, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, sour cream, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme in a mixing bowl. This dreamy sauce mixture will soak into the rice and other ingredients, infusing every bite with richness and a perfect balance of tang and savor.
Step 4: Combine Everything in the Casserole Dish
Now add the uncooked rice, the sautéed mushroom mixture, and the cooked chicken into the greased casserole dish. Pour your creamy sauce evenly over the top. Stir gently to combine everything, ensuring the rice is fully coated and the ingredients are well distributed. This step guarantees a flavorful, homogenous bake.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover your dish with foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the sauce. For a golden, slightly crisp top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking. That final touch adds a lovely texture contrast to the creamy center.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This brief pause helps everything set up so it’s easier to serve. Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top to add freshness and a savory, cheesy finish.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Mushroom Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of chopped parsley and some extra Parmesan cheese before serving elevates the dish’s appearance and flavor. The parsley adds a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes, while the Parmesan enhances that irresistible cheesy punch we all crave in comfort food.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a standalone meal, but pairing it with simple, crisp side salads or steamed greens complements the richness beautifully. Roasted vegetables or a light vinaigrette salad provide a refreshing balance to all the creamy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole straight from the dish family-style for a cozy gathering, or scoop individual portions into small ramekins or baking dishes for an elegant touch. You can also top each serving with a fried egg or a drizzle of truffle oil to add a gourmet twist that will impress your dinner guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To maintain creaminess, cover the dish while reheating and add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the casserole seems dry.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so you’ll need to adjust the bake time and broth accordingly for the best results.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like roasted cauliflower or extra mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavor depth.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole fully but wait to bake it until you’re ready. Keep it refrigerated covered with foil for up to 24 hours before baking for freshest results.
What can I substitute for heavy cream and sour cream?
You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk combined with a little butter for richness. For sour cream, Greek yogurt works well as a slightly tangy and healthier alternative.
How do I know when the rice is fully cooked in the casserole?
Check the rice by tasting a spoonful once the baking time is nearly up. It should be tender without any crunch. If it’s not done, bake a little longer, checking every 5 minutes to avoid drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Mushroom Rice Casserole Recipe is truly a soul-nourishing dish that brings comforting flavors to your table with effortless charm. Its creamy texture, tender chicken, and savory mushrooms make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll likely find yourself returning to this warm, satisfying casserole again and again.
Print
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Mushroom Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and creamy sauce baked to perfection. It’s perfect for a family dinner, offering a deliciously creamy texture with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra Parmesan for topping
Vegetables
- 8 oz white button mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Base and Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1¾ cups chicken broth
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prepare it for baking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Sauté the diced onions until they become soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, continuing to cook for 5–7 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and have released their moisture.
- Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme until fully combined to create a rich, creamy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: To the casserole dish, add the uncooked white rice, the sautéed mushroom mixture, and the cooked chicken breast. Pour the prepared creamy sauce over the ingredients and stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to become golden and slightly crisp.
- Serve: After baking, let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breast ahead of time to reduce prep time.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on the saltiness of your chicken broth and cheese.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- If you prefer, white wine can be added to sautéing mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Ensure rice is fully covered with liquid before baking to avoid dryness.
