Chicken and Rice Casserole
A heartwarming, creamy casserole with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a cheesy topping. This one-dish meal is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner and ready in about an hour.
For 6 servings
8 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch (3-quart) baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- 2
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat
- a.Add the chopped onion and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they have softened.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant
- a.Remove the skillet from the heat.
- 4
Step 4
- a.In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Add the sautéed vegetables from the skillet and stir everything together until well combined.
- 5
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer
- a.Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- 6
Bake covered for 30 minutes
- a.The rice should absorb most of the liquid during this time.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked, the casserole is bubbly, and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- 8
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving
- a.This allows it to set and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a timesaving shortcut, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
- 2Covering the dish with foil is crucial for the first part of baking; it traps steam and ensures the rice cooks through evenly.
- 3For a crunchy topping, mix 1/2 cup of Panko breadcrumbs with the cheese before sprinkling it over the casserole.
- 4Feel free to add 1 cup of frozen vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn to the mixture for extra nutrition and color. No need to thaw them first.
- 5This casserole freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Adapt it for your goals.
Veggie-Loaded
Stir in 1 cup of steamed broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, or a cup of frozen mixed vegetables along with the other ingredients in Step 4.
Spicy VersionSpicy Version
Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the mixture for a gentle heat. You could also add one finely diced jalapeño with the onions.
Different GrainsDifferent Grains
Substitute the white rice with brown rice. You will need to increase the chicken broth to 3.5 cups and increase the initial covered baking time to 50-60 minutes.
Cheesy UpgradeCheesy Upgrade
Use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gruyère along with the cheddar for a more complex flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the rice provide a steady source of energy to fuel your body and brain throughout the day.
Ultimate Comfort Food
Warm, creamy, and satisfying dishes like this casserole can provide a sense of comfort and well-being, which can positively impact mood.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of this Chicken and Rice Casserole contains approximately 570-620 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the type of chicken and cheese.