Some dishes just have that way of settling you in, don’t they? This chicken rice casserole with Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup is one of those meals that makes you want to curl up on the couch, maybe with a blanket thrown over your lap, and forget about the world for a little while. It’s a quiet kind of comfort food — familiar, unpretentious, and reliably satisfying.
I remember the first time I made this casserole. I was juggling a million things, and honestly, I wasn’t sure I had the patience to wait for it to bake. But as the scent of cheesy mushroom and tender chicken started filling the kitchen, I found myself sneaking peeks through the oven window. Somewhere between the bubbling sauce and the golden cracker topping, the day’s stress just melted away. It wasn’t perfect — I might have over-mixed the topping a bit, or maybe it baked a minute too long — but it was real, warm, and exactly what I needed.
- It’s a one-dish meal that feels like a hug, but it’s also straightforward — no fuss, just honest comfort.
- The creamy mushroom soup enriches every bite, though if you’re not into canned soup, homemade or alternatives could work with a bit of tweaking.
- Leftovers reheat well, though the topping may lose some crispness — nothing a quick broil can’t fix if you care.
- It’s flexible; toss in some extra veggies or swap out chicken for turkey if you want, but I usually stick close to the original because it’s a classic for a reason.
If you’re worried about timing or equipment, don’t be — this casserole bakes in a standard oven, and you don’t need fancy gadgets to pull it off. Serve it with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies to make it a full meal. Sometimes I’ve stirred in a handful of herbs or swapped crushed crackers for panko crumbs just to see what happens. It’s forgiving like that.
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Chicken Rice Casserole with Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make chicken rice casserole using Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, tender chicken, and fluffy rice baked to perfection.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked white rice
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 can (10.5 ounces) Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked chicken, Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, chopped celery, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and thawed peas. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Give yourself permission to keep it simple. This dish doesn’t demand perfection, just a little time in the kitchen, and it offers up warmth in return. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just making a cozy solo dinner, it’s a quiet reminder that some meals do their best work when they’re uncomplicated and comforting.
FAQ
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? You can, but it might change the texture a bit — brown rice is heartier and takes longer to cook, so just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing everything together.
What if I don’t have Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup? You could try a homemade mushroom sauce or another creamy soup, but it might alter the flavor and consistency. I haven’t tested all swaps, so start small.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes! Mix everything except the topping, refrigerate overnight, then add the topping and bake when ready.
How do I keep the topping crispy when reheating? Reheat uncovered in the oven or under a broiler for a few minutes to bring back the crunch.
Give this casserole a try the next time you’re craving something soothing but straightforward. It’s a quiet kind of joy for the kitchen, and it might just become your new go-to comfort meal.