Name: Ultimate Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Seasoned with salt and pepper); 1 cup White rice (Uncooked); 2 cups Chicken broth (Room temperature); 1 cup Milk (Room temperature); 1 can Condensed cream of chicken soup (Undiluted); 1 can Condensed cream of mushroom soup (Undiluted); 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese (Divided); 1 cup Frozen peas and carrots (Thawed); 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped); 2 cloves Garlic (Minced); 1 teaspoon Dried thyme; 1 teaspoon Dried basil; 1 cup Breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons Melted butter; 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon Chopped fresh parsley (Optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, comforting, and packed with juicy chicken and cheesy goodness, Ultimate Chicken Casserole is the sort of weeknight hero that disappears from plates faster than you can say dinner. This casserole blends tender seared chicken, a rich creamy sauce, fluffy rice, and a golden breadcrumb topping for a meal that feels homey and special at the same time. Fun fact: casseroles became wildly popular in the U.S. during the 1950s because they were economical, convenient, and perfect for feeding families — and this version keeps that spirit alive.

If you enjoy hearty one-dish meals, this recipe sits nicely alongside other favorites like Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole on the blog. It’s simple to prep, quick to assemble, and family-friendly — perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed Sunday supper. Ready to tuck into something warm and satisfying? Let’s get cooking!

What is Ultimate Chicken Casserole?

What makes this the “ultimate” casserole — is it the creamy sauce, the crispy topping, or the way the rice soaks up all that chickeny goodness? Maybe it’s all three. Where did the name come from? Picture a neighbor bringing over a dish so irresistible that it immediately earned the title. Who can argue with deliciousness and a little friendly acclaim?

This casserole is playful proof that comfort food can also be clever: economical ingredients transformed into something impressive. And hey, they say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Why not test that old adage with a casserole everyone will ask for seconds of? Give it a try and see how fast it becomes a requested classic in your house.

Why You’ll Love This

Flavor-packed and comforting: The creamy combo of condensed soups, milk, and savory chicken broth creates a rich sauce that hugs the rice and chicken, while thyme and basil give it a subtle herbal lift.
Budget-friendly and efficient: Using store-cupboard staples like condensed soups, rice, and frozen veggies keeps costs low and prep quick — one dish feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
Texture delight: Tender seared chicken on a bed of fluffy rice with a cheesy layer beneath and a crisp breadcrumb-Parmesan topping — creamy interior meets crunchy finish.

Compared to a lighter skillet dinner, this casserole is heartier and more filling, similar in spirit to the comforting layers found in the Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole, but with its own golden-baked crust and classic creamy base. Ready to make something everyone will love? Head to the next section and follow along.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This casserole is straightforward: sear the chicken for flavor, sauté aromatics, mix uncooked rice into a creamy soup-and-broth base with veggies and cheese, top with breadcrumbs, then bake until bubbling and golden. The standout elements are the creamy sauce that cooks into the rice and the crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb topping that finishes it with a satisfying snap. Prep time is about 15–20 minutes, and bake time is roughly 60 minutes total.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper
1 cup white rice, uncooked
2 cups chicken broth, room temperature or as labeled
1 cup milk, room temperature
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and basil. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts until they are golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, milk, cream of chicken soup, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir in the sautéed onions and garlic, thawed peas and carrots, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to combine.
Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the chicken and rice.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Serve this ultimate chicken casserole hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this comforting and delicious meal with your family and friends.

Ultimate Chicken Casserole

What to Serve With

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness — think mixed greens, sliced cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a bright, slightly crunchy vegetable side.
Soft dinner rolls or crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce.
A light dessert like lemon sorbet or yogurt parfait keeps the meal balanced.
Beverages: iced tea, a light white wine like Pinot Grigio, or sparkling water with lemon are excellent pairing choices.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use room-temperature liquids for even cooking: letting broth and milk sit at room temp for a few minutes helps the rice cook evenly in the oven.
Don’t skip searing the chicken: it builds flavor and helps the breast retain moisture during baking.
Swap-ins: use rotisserie chicken shredded into the rice mixture if you want to skip searing and reduce bake time, but reduce oven time to avoid drying.
Make it vegetarian: replace the chicken with firm tofu or extra mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead.
Prevent soggy topping: mix breadcrumbs with melted butter so they toast rather than steam; broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if you want extra crunch — watch closely.
Common mistake: removing the foil too early — keeping it covered for the majority of baking ensures the rice cooks through without drying out.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or place the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for 20–25 minutes until hot. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to refresh the topping.
Tip: Add a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating to refresh the creamy texture if it looks dry.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice needs longer to cook. If using brown rice, pre-cook it until nearly tender or adjust baking time and liquid — you may need about 45–50 minutes covered for the rice to become tender.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Is it okay to use fresh veggies instead of frozen peas and carrots?
Yes. Use about 1 to 1 1/4 cups of fresh diced carrots and peas. Sauté or blanch firmer vegetables briefly so they become tender during baking.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, slice into the thickest piece to ensure there’s no pinkness and juices run clear.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free condensed soups and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Verify all packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Chicken Casserole is a cozy, straightforward dish that delivers on flavor, comfort, and family appeal — perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings. It’s easy to customize, freezes well, and often becomes a household favorite after the first try. For more inspiration and similar recipes to explore, check out this take on Ultimate Chicken Casserole – The Cookin Chicks and another version at Ultimate Chicken Casserole Recipe | Butter Your Biscuit. Give it a go, share it with loved ones, and enjoy those satisfied smiles around the table.