Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Chicken Casserole, a hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Juicy seared chicken breasts, tender mixed vegetables, and fluffy cooked rice come together in a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce that’s made from scratch. Topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, this baked casserole is not only satisfying and flavorful but also easy to prepare in just one dish. Bursting with creamy texture and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Keywords: creamy chicken casserole, easy casserole recipe, comfort food, chicken and rice bake, cheesy baked casserole.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, cooking until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Remove the skillet from heat.
Cut the seared chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, mixed vegetables, and chicken pieces. Pour the cream sauce over the mixture and stir until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Calories |
3735 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 199.6 g | 256% | |
| Saturated Fat | 102.3 g | 512% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 763 mg | 254% | |
| Sodium | 8329 mg | 362% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 273.3 g | 99% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.5 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.7 g | ||
| Protein | 194.3 g | 389% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1551 mg | 119% | |
| Iron | 19.2 mg | 107% | |
| Potassium | 2111 mg | 45% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.