Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole with Mushrooms

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s both simple to prepare and packed with flavor, then this Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole with Mushrooms is an absolute winner. It brings together tender chicken breast, fluffy rice, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious creamy sauce that will warm your soul on any night of the week. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners when you want something satisfying but not complicated. The combination of ingredients is thoughtfully balanced to deliver a one-pot wonder that the whole family will adore.

Top Reasons to Make Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole with Mushrooms

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and full of tender chicken and savory mushrooms, this casserole hits all the cozy meal marks.
• One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze and meal prep a joy.
• Nutritious and Balanced: With lean chicken breast, wholesome rice, and nutrient-rich vegetables like peas and mushrooms, it’s a meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your body.
• Customizable: The recipe is versatile enough to tweak with your favorite herbs, cheeses, or veggies.
• Great for Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it a smart choice for meal planning and busy schedules.

What to Buy

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced: Choose fresh chicken breast for tender, juicy bites.
• 1 cup white rice: Long-grain white rice works best for fluffy texture.
• 2 cups chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup: This adds the creamy base that ties the casserole together.
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced: White button or cremini mushrooms add an earthy richness.
• 1 onion, diced: Yellow or white onion for a sweet-savory flavor base.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brightens and deepens the flavor.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts perfectly for gooey, cheesy goodness.
• 1 cup frozen peas: Adds a pop of color and fresh sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and flavor enhancement.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out the best in every ingredient.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A fragrant herb that complements the mushrooms and chicken perfectly.

Equipment & Tools

• Large skillet or frying pan: For sautéing the chicken, mushrooms, onions, and garlic.
• Mixing bowl: To combine the rice, broth, soup, and seasonings.
• 9×13-inch casserole dish: The perfect size for baking the casserole evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure ingredient accuracy.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: For prepping chicken and vegetables.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring and mixing ingredients uniformly.
• Aluminum foil: To cover the casserole during baking for even cooking.

Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole with Mushrooms Made Stepwise

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, slice the mushrooms, dice the onion, and mince the garlic.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until it’s no longer pink on the outside, about 5 minutes. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 4-5 minutes. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.

Step 3: Combine Rice and Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked white rice, chicken broth, and the can of cream of mushroom soup. Stir well to mix all the ingredients evenly. This mixture will cook the rice and create the creamy texture the casserole is known for.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In the casserole dish, spread the sautéed chicken, mushrooms, and onion mixture evenly. Pour the rice and soup mixture over the top. Then, sprinkle the frozen peas evenly across the surface. Give the casserole a gentle stir to distribute the peas without disturbing the layering too much.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid and cook thoroughly while the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the dish set and makes it easier to portion. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole with Mushrooms hot from the oven with your favorite side salad or steamed vegetables.

Quick Replacement Ideas

• Swap white rice for brown rice or try a wild rice blend for a nuttier texture.
• Use mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar for a milder flavor.
• Replace frozen peas with frozen corn or diced carrots for different veggie options.
• Try using turkey breast instead of chicken for a leaner protein alternative.
• Substitute the canned cream of mushroom soup with a homemade creamy mushroom sauce for an extra fresh touch.

Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary

The key to a perfectly creamy casserole lies in balancing the liquid and rice ratio. Using chicken broth and cream of mushroom soup together ensures the rice cooks fully while infusing rich flavor. Sautéing the chicken and mushrooms beforehand adds depth that can’t be achieved if you just dump everything raw into the casserole dish.

Don’t skip the resting step after baking—it helps the casserole firm up, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny.

If you love mushrooms, consider pairing this casserole with Stuffed Mushrooms as a delicious appetizer or side for a mushroom-themed meal.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• This casserole freezes well. Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• For meal prep, assemble the casserole in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake fresh on the day you plan to eat it.

Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole with Mushrooms Q&A

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice; however, it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You may need to increase the broth to 2 ½ cups and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the casserole to ensure the rice is tender.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit the cheese altogether. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free creamy soup or make a cashew cream sauce.

Can I prepare this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, this casserole translates well to a slow cooker. Sauté the chicken, mushrooms, onions, and garlic first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours until the rice is tender.

What is the best way to ensure the rice cooks evenly in the casserole?

Make sure to stir the rice and liquid mixture well before baking and cover the casserole tightly with foil during the majority of the baking time. This traps steam and helps the rice cook evenly and absorb the flavors fully.

Weekend Projects

• Stuffed Mushrooms – A perfect mushroom-filled appetizer to complement your casserole night.
• Wild Rice Pilaf With Mushrooms Dried Cherries – A flavorful side dish that brings a sweet and savory balance to any meal.

Ready to Cook?

Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to dive into the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole with Mushrooms. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend dinner, this dish delivers on taste, texture, and timeless comfort. Happy cooking!

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Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole with Mushrooms

This Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole with Mushrooms is a comforting one-pot meal full of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and savory mushrooms in a luscious creamy sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb chicken breast diced
• 1 cup white rice long-grain
• 2 cups chicken broth low-sodium
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup mushrooms sliced, white button or cremini
• 1 onion diced, yellow or white
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese sharp
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Mixing Bowl
• 9x13-inch casserole dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Aluminum Foil

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, slice the mushrooms, dice the onion, and mince the garlic.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until it’s no longer pink on the outside, about 5 minutes. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 4-5 minutes. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked white rice, chicken broth, and the can of cream of mushroom soup. Stir well to mix all the ingredients evenly.
4. In the casserole dish, spread the sautéed chicken, mushrooms, and onion mixture evenly. Pour the rice and soup mixture over the top. Then, sprinkle the frozen peas evenly across the surface. Give the casserole a gentle stir to distribute the peas without disturbing the layering too much.
5. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
6. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
7. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the dish set and makes it easier to portion.

Notes

• For a nuttier texture, substitute white rice with brown rice or wild rice blends.
• Use mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese as a milder alternative to cheddar.
• This casserole freezes well; freeze portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.