Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Casserole

This creamy tomato basil chicken and rice casserole is comfort food at its finest. Juicy chicken and rice are baked in a rich tomato cream sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Fresh basil adds a pop of flavor. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping meal prep lunches for your week. Read on for pro casserole baking tips.

Benefits of Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken and rice casserole offers many benefits as a hearty meal:

One-Pan Convenience

Everything bakes together in a single pan for easy clean up.

Budget-Friendly

Rice and chicken stretch expensive ingredients into an affordable meal.

Comfort Food Flavors

Warm, familiar tastes that satisfy.

Makes Leftovers

Easily reheats into lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Family-Friendly

Kid-friendly ingredients appeal to a wide range of eaters.

Tips for Creamy Tomato Basil Casserole

Follow these tips for the ultimate chicken and rice casserole:

Cook Rice and Chicken Ahead

Pre-cooking helps everything heat evenly in casserole.

Sauté Vegetables

Browning onions, garlic, etc boosts depth of flavor.

Use Quality Cheese

Splurge on flavorful cheese like Parmesan or Gruyere.

Toast the Breadcrumbs

Crisp panko or French fried onions on top add crunch.

Let Set Before Serving

Allowing casserole to rest helps thicken sauce.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Casserole

This easy recipe layers rich, comforting flavors:

Ingredients

Chicken, rice, fire-roasted tomatoes, basil, oregano, milk, cream cheese, mozzarella.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a casserole dish.

2. In baking dish, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, milk, and seasonings.

3. Dollop cream cheese over top and stir gently to incorporate.

4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the casserole.

5. Bake 30-40 minutes until hot and bubbly.

6. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Optional Toppings

- Toasted breadcrumbs or fried onions

- Chopped fresh basil

- Crumbled bacon

Flavor Variations

Adapt this casserole template to your taste:

Taco Casserole

Ground beef, rice, salsa, beans, taco seasoning, cheddar, tortilla strips

Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Chicken, rice, buffalo sauce, ranch, mozzarella, blue cheese crumbles

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Chicken, rice, broccoli, cheddar, cream of chicken soup

BBQ Chicken Casserole

Chicken, rice, BBQ sauce, red onion, cheddar, fried onions

Side Dishes for Chicken and Rice Casserole

Pair this creamy casserole with:

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted broccoli, carrots, brussels sprouts, etc.

Green Salad

Fresh mixed greens with vinaigrette.

Buttery Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.

Dinner Rolls

Fluffy dinner rolls for soaking up the sauce.

Warm Up with Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

This easy one-pan casserole layers tomato cream sauce, savory chicken and rice, and melted mozzarella cheese for the ultimate comfort food. The fresh basil adds a final pop of flavor. Customize it with your favorite mix-ins or leave it classic - this creamy casserole is sure to become a new family favorite!

5 FAQs about Chicken and Rice Casserole

1. What kind of rice is best for casserole?

Long grain white rice holds up well when baked. Substitute cauliflower rice to make it gluten free.

2. How do you keep casserole from drying out?

Use plenty of liquid, cover with foil when baking, and stir cream or cream cheese into the sauce.

3. Is chicken and rice casserole better with fresh or frozen chicken?

Fresh chicken tends to be more tender and moist. But frozen works well too.

4. How long is leftover chicken casserole good for?

Leftover casserole will keep in the fridge 3-4 days.

5. Can you prepare chicken casserole ahead of time?

Yes, prepare completely then refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.