Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole

When comfort food calls for minimal effort, this Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole answers with creamy richness and savory satisfaction. Tender chicken breasts bake right on top of a bed of ultra-creamy rice, flavored with onion, seasonings, and a luscious cream sauce. Everything cooks together in one dish, soaking up the flavors and creating a cozy dinner without dirtying a sink full of dishes.

Perfect for those evenings when you want a warm, hearty meal but can’t muster the energy for something complicated, this casserole has become a weeknight staple for busy families. With just a few pantry staples and almost no prep time, you’ll have dinner in the oven in under 10 minutes—and the aroma alone will bring everyone to the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole

• Minimal prep time: A true dump-and-bake recipe that requires zero pre-cooking.
• Comfort in a casserole: Creamy, savory, and satisfying—classic flavors the whole family loves.
• One dish wonder: Everything bakes in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
• Pantry-friendly: Uses basic ingredients you likely already have at home.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this Lazy Day casserole, you’ll need just a few kitchen essentials:

• 9×13-inch baking dish: This size is perfect to hold the rice, liquid, and chicken without overflowing. It allows even cooking and a golden top.
• Mixing bowl (optional): Only needed if you prefer to mix the rice and liquids before adding to the dish.
• Aluminum foil: Crucial for covering the casserole during the first stage of baking so the rice can steam and soften properly.
• Oven: Preheated to 350°F, it does all the hard work while you relax.

Each of these tools plays a role in simplifying the recipe and ensuring everything cooks evenly without drying out.

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Preparation Tips

Choose long-grain white rice for this recipe—instant rice or brown rice won’t work the same and can lead to uneven cooking. Don’t skip covering the dish tightly with foil at the start; this traps steam to perfectly cook the rice. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar thickness for consistent results. If they’re very thick, consider slicing them horizontally to avoid undercooked centers. Finally, don’t be afraid to add a sprinkle of black pepper or dried herbs over the top before baking for an extra flavor boost.

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Ingredients for Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (depending on size)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (optional, for brushing chicken)
• Paprika (optional, for color)

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

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Step 3: Add the Rice and Onion

Pour the uncooked long-grain rice evenly into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the finely diced onion over the rice. Pour the creamy mixture over the rice and onion. Gently stir or shake the dish to ensure the rice is evenly distributed.

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Step 4: Place the Chicken

Lay the chicken breasts over the top of the creamy rice mixture. If some chicken breasts are extra thick, consider slicing them in half horizontally for quicker and more even cooking. Season the tops with a pinch of salt, pepper, and paprika for added flavor and a touch of color. Brush with olive oil or melted butter for a golden finish (optional).

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Step 5: Cover and Bake

Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes. This steaming step is crucial to allow the rice to cook fully and absorb all the creamy flavor.

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Step 6: Uncover and Continue Baking

After 50 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20–25 minutes. This helps brown the top slightly and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

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Step 7: Rest Before Serving

Once baked, let the casserole rest uncovered for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the rice to finish absorbing the sauce and makes it easier to scoop out neat portions.

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Notes

This recipe is all about simplicity, but don’t let that fool you—it delivers big on comfort and flavor. The rice absorbs all the creamy goodness from the soups and broth while the chicken stays moist and tender. You can easily customize this dish with add-ins like frozen peas, shredded cheese, or sautéed mushrooms for a twist. It also scales well for larger families or meal prep.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using the wrong rice: Quick-cooking or brown rice won’t absorb the liquid the same way and can lead to mushy or undercooked results.
• Skipping the foil: Not covering the dish during the first bake traps in steam, leading to undercooked rice.
• Overcrowding the chicken: Make sure the chicken breasts lay flat in a single layer so they cook evenly.
• Not checking doneness: Always verify that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water before microwaving to restore creaminess. This casserole also freezes well—let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and reheat until warmed through.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

It’s best to thaw chicken before baking to ensure even cooking and safe temperature control.

Can I use instant rice instead?

No, instant rice cooks too quickly and will become mushy. Stick with long-grain white rice.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can use another can of cream of chicken or substitute with cream of celery soup.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Frozen peas, chopped broccoli, or diced carrots work well—just stir them in with the rice.

Do I have to use sour cream?

Sour cream adds tang and richness, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt or omit it if needed.

How do I make it more flavorful?

Add shredded cheese, a dash of hot sauce, or mix in sautéed garlic and mushrooms for a flavor boost.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish or divide between two pans. Add 5–10 minutes to baking time if needed.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless skinless thighs work great. They may be juicier and more forgiving than breasts.

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Conclusion

Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole is the kind of no-fuss, all-flavor recipe every busy cook needs in their weekly rotation. It’s rich, satisfying, and couldn’t be easier to make. Whether it’s a hectic weeknight or you just need a hands-off comfort meal, this casserole delivers warm, creamy goodness every time.

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