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Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken and Rice Casserole
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This Chicken and Rice Casserole is a warm, comforting, and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy long-grain rice, and savory flavors baked together with creamy soup and seasonings. Ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners, it offers a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and cheesy goodness with minimal prep and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

Liquids

  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth (preferably fresh)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of dried thyme or parsley (or fresh if available)

Optional Vegetables

  • ½ cup peas
  • ½ cup diced carrots
  • ½ cup diced bell peppers

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Chop the onions, mince the garlic, and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Measure the rice, chicken broth, and cream soup so everything is ready to combine.
  2. Combine the Base: In a large mixing bowl, stir together uncooked long-grain rice, chicken broth, cream of mushroom or chicken soup, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme or parsley until fully combined to create the casserole base.
  3. Add Chicken and Optional Veggies: Fold in the chicken pieces along with any optional vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers, ensuring an even distribution for balanced flavor and texture.
  4. Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, and return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

Notes

  • Use fresh chicken broth for enhanced flavor over water or bouillon cubes.
  • Do not rinse the rice to preserve starch, which helps create a creamy texture as it bakes.
  • Cover the casserole tightly while baking to trap steam and cook the rice perfectly.
  • Add cheese at the end of baking uncovered to achieve a delicious golden crust.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving and improved flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, chicken and rice, easy dinner, comfort food, one pot meal, family dinner, baked chicken and rice

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/chicken-and-rice-casserole/