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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Casserole

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Casserole
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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, one-dish meal combining tender chicken breasts, fluffy white rice, and a rich, creamy sauce made with sour cream, cheese, and aromatic herbs. This easy-to-make casserole is baked to golden perfection, perfect for family dinners or make-ahead meals that offer warm, luscious flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 lbs), even-sized

Grains

  • 1 cup uncooked white rice

Liquids

  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth

Dairy

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your preference), divided
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and lightly brown the chicken breasts on both sides. This step seals in the juices and builds flavor. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes, forming a flavorful base for the creamy sauce.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large casserole dish, mix the uncooked white rice with chicken broth, sour cream, sautéed onions and garlic, shredded cheese (reserve some for topping), salt, pepper, and herbs. Stir well to combine. Nestle the browned chicken breasts evenly on top of the rice mixture.
  4. Bake Until Perfect: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or a lid. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Add Extra Cheese and Brown: Remove the cover and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, creating a tempting crust.

Notes

  • Use even-sized chicken pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Browning the chicken before baking adds depth of flavor.
  • Cover casserole tightly while baking to trap steam for creamy rice.
  • Let casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld.
  • Adjust creaminess after baking by adding a splash of broth or sour cream if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy chicken casserole, chicken and rice, comfort food, baked chicken, easy dinner

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