Name: Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Some days just call for a warm, hearty meal that practically makes itself. That’s where this Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole comes in. It delivers comfort in every creamy, savory bite with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, golden top layer that’s oh-so-satisfying.

Whether you’re coming home after a long workday or managing a busy weekend, this one-dish wonder is a time-saver with huge payoff. Toss everything into a casserole dish, pop it in the oven, and let the flavors melt into each other while you kick back. The result? A fuss-free family favorite that tastes like you spent hours making it.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the recipe, let’s make sure you have the right tools on hand:

9×13-inch Baking Dish – This is your casserole vessel. It’s spacious enough to hold the rice, liquids, and chicken without overflow.
Mixing Bowl – Useful for combining the creamy sauce ingredients before they go into the dish.
Whisk or Silicone Spatula – Helps blend the cream soups and broth evenly, ensuring every spoonful is smooth and flavorful.

Aluminum Foil – Keeps moisture locked in while baking so your chicken and rice stay juicy.
Oven Mitts – Safety first when pulling hot dishes from the oven.

Each tool plays a role in streamlining prep and guaranteeing an even, well-cooked casserole. Minimal mess, maximum comfort!

Ingredients for the Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole

Every ingredient in this dish serves a purpose, from creating depth of flavor to locking in that creamy texture we all love.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts – These provide the hearty protein base. Thighs give more flavor and stay juicier, while breasts are leaner.
Uncooked Long Grain White Rice – Essential for soaking up the creamy liquid and baking into soft, fluffy comfort.

Cream of Mushroom Soup – Adds rich umami and creaminess to the base.
Cream of Chicken Soup – Boosts the savory, chicken-forward flavor.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – Helps the rice cook while deepening the casserole’s overall taste.

Onion Powder & Garlic Powder – For gentle aromatics without the hassle of chopping.
Paprika – Adds subtle warmth and a hint of color.
Salt & Black Pepper – Basic seasoning to enhance all the flavors.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Optional) – If you love a cheesy finish, sprinkle some over the top during the last 10 minutes.

How To Make the Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Add Rice

Stir the uncooked rice directly into the creamy soup mixture until it’s evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the rice and soup mixture into the baking dish. Nestle the chicken pieces on top, pressing them slightly into the mixture.

Step 5: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes.

Step 6: Uncover & Finish

Remove the foil, and if using, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top. Return to the oven uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and the top is golden.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the rice to finish setting up.

How to Serve and Store Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole

This creamy casserole is a meal on its own, but you can elevate your dinner by pairing it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm dinner rolls. The rich texture of the dish balances well with something fresh or crunchy on the side.

When it comes to leftovers, this casserole stores beautifully. Let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to revive the creaminess. It also freezes well—just use an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of rice works best in this casserole?

Long grain white rice is ideal because it cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid without turning mushy. Avoid instant or parboiled rice.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts are a leaner option and still work well. Just be mindful not to overbake so they don’t dry out.

Do I need to cook the rice before adding it?

Nope! The rice goes in uncooked and bakes to perfection right in the casserole.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the dish earlier in the day, cover it, and keep it in the fridge until ready to bake. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold.

How do I know when it’s done?

The rice should be tender, and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. A golden top and bubbling edges are great visual cues.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can swap it for another can of cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade creamy soup if you prefer.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole, you’ll definitely want to try these comforting favorites from Life With Olivia:

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for a Thanksgiving-inspired twist.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with cheesy layers that feel like a weeknight indulgence.
Scalloped Corn Casserole that’s perfect as a holiday side or cozy main dish.
Cheesy Pizza Tater Tot Casserole for a fun, kid-friendly dinner.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole when you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you use thighs or breasts? Add cheese or keep it classic?

I love hearing how you make these dishes your own. Got questions or tweaks? Drop them below—we’re all in this kitchen together.

Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 80 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy, comforting one-dish casserole that blends tender chicken and fluffy rice with a savory blend of soups and spices. It’s the perfect no-fuss dinner for busy days, packed with flavor and always satisfying.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. Stir in the uncooked rice until evenly mixed.

4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and place chicken pieces on top, pressing them slightly into the mixture.

5. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes.

6. Remove foil and, if desired, sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and top is golden.

7. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.