If you’re looking for something truly comforting that requires almost no effort, the Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This dish is a creamy, savory classic that’s perfect for busy nights or when you crave homemade flavor without the kitchen marathon. It brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a luscious sauce all in one pan, filling your home with irresistible aromas and your table with happy faces. Everyone needs a go-to casserole in their repertoire, and this is mine!

Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about maximizing flavor with minimal ingredients—each one pulls its weight, adding either richness, texture, or a pop of savory goodness to every bite. Here’s what you’ll need for your Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole Recipe:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star protein, these become ultra-tender as they bake and soak up all the creamy flavors.
Minute Rice (White or Brown): Quick-cooking rice keeps this casserole easy and ensures each grain is perfectly soft without becoming mushy.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds depth and a gentle earthiness that pairs beautifully with the chicken and rice.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Delivers even more creamy comfort and a rich, savory base for the casserole.
Water (Measured Using a Soup Can): The perfect amount of liquid for cooking the rice and melding all the flavors together.
Lipton Onion Soup Mix: This secret weapon brings a punch of oniony goodness and a touch of seasoning magic to the dish.
Butter: Used for greasing the dish, it helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle richness to every slice.

How to Make Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take a moment to generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. This not only prevents sticking but also gives the casserole a little extra flavor boost right from the start.

Step 2: Combine Rice and Soups

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the Minute Rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and water (measure the water using one of the empty soup cans for convenience). Mix everything thoroughly so the rice is evenly coated and ready to soak up all the creamy goodness.

Step 3: Pour Mixture Into the Baking Dish

Once combined, pour the rice and soup mixture directly into your buttered baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly, ensuring every corner gets covered.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

Lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts right on top of your rice and soup base. No need to cut them up first—they’ll cook beautifully whole, staying juicy while infusing the rice below with all their savory juices.

Step 5: Sprinkle with Onion Soup Mix

Evenly sprinkle the entire envelope of Lipton Onion Soup Mix over the chicken breasts. This step gives the casserole its signature flavor and a hint of color as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover your casserole tightly with foil to trap in moisture and allow everything to cook together. Bake for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!

How to Serve Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle the finished casserole with a handful of fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and a bit of freshness. A dash of black pepper or a light dusting of paprika also adds an inviting touch just before serving.

Side Dishes

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or buttery corn on the cob. A simple side of steamed vegetables or a basket of warm rolls also complements the creamy richness of the Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special touch, serve portions in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes. You can also top each serving with crispy fried onions or toasted breadcrumbs for added crunch, or drizzle with a little hot sauce if you like a kick!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. The Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole Recipe will keep in the fridge for up to four days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

This casserole is freezer-friendly! Simply portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire baking dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (covered with foil to prevent drying out) until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. If the rice seems a bit dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth before reheating.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative—they’re juicy and flavorful, and hold up well during baking. Just be sure to use boneless and skinless thighs for even cooking.

What type Dinner, Casserole

Minute Rice is ideal here because it cooks quickly and absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly. If you use regular long-grain rice, the cooking time and liquid measurements may need adjustment.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! Stir in a cup of frozen peas, carrots, or mixed veggies with the rice and soups for extra color and nutrition. Just keep the amounts modest to avoid overcrowding the dish.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink in the center. If you’re unsure, cut into the thickest part of a breast to check.

Can I make the Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—allowing a few extra minutes since it will be cold from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about gathering around a table with a bubbling pan of the Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole Recipe. It’s cozy, foolproof, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your go-to, too!

Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender chicken breasts baked in a creamy mixture of mushroom and chicken soups with Minute rice, this casserole is both hearty and satisfying, requiring minimal prep and delivering maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

Rice and Soup Mixture

2 cups Minute Rice (white or brown)
1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
1 can water (use one of the soup cans to measure)

Seasoning and Fat

1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix
1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly with 1 tablespoon of butter to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
Mix Rice and Soups: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of Minute Rice, 1 can each of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup, and 1 can of water (measured using one of the soup cans). Stir until the mixture is fully blended.
Pour Mixture into Dish: Pour the rice and soup mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to create a uniform layer.
Add Chicken: Place the 1½ pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice and soup mixture. Make sure the chicken breasts are spaced evenly.
Season with Onion Soup Mix: Sprinkle 1 envelope of Lipton Onion Soup Mix evenly over the chicken breasts for added flavor and seasoning.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1½ hours. Bake until the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice is tender.

Notes

You can use either white or brown Minute Rice depending on your preference.
Covering the casserole while baking helps retain moisture and ensures the chicken stays juicy.
Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of the chicken breasts.
For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese or chopped fresh herbs before serving.
This recipe pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Category: Dinner, Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American