Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe
This Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe is a timeless favorite, ideal for intimate family dinners or larger gatherings. Featuring succulent chicken, fluffy rice, and a luscious sauce, this casserole promises to please every palate around the table. The comforting medley of flavors and textures ensures a satisfying meal that is both filling and flavorful.
Whether you seek a quick weekday dinner or a dish to serve a crowd, this Chicken and Rice Casserole offers remarkable versatility, allowing for customization to suit your preferences. Enhance its nutritional profile by incorporating vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli, or elevate it with a sprinkle of cheese for a touch of indulgence. The recipe’s charm lies in its straightforwardness and flexibility.
Moreover, this casserole is an excellent make-ahead option, enabling you to assemble it in advance and bake it when convenient. The reheated leftovers retain their deliciousness, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this foolproof Chicken and Rice Casserole is destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts, diced
- Long-grain white rice
- Chicken broth
- Cream of chicken soup
- Peas
- Carrots
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Shredded cheddar cheese
equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, long-grain white rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, peas, carrots, onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Transfer the chicken and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil to trap moisture, and promote even cooking.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to cook through.
- Remove the foil from the dish, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole, and return it to the oven to bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once the cheese is gooey and golden, remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve this comforting chicken and rice dish to enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures.
tips & tricks
- To add more flavor, consider using seasoned chicken broth or adding herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables in the casserole based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- For a crispy top, broil the casserole for a few minutes after melting the cheese.
- Make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking for an easy weeknight meal.
- Substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or ham for a different twist on this classic casserole.
fAQs about Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing and reheat it in the oven for best results.
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make your own gluten-free cream sauce from scratch.
conclusion
This Chicken and Rice Casserole is a versatile and comforting dish that is bound to please any crowd. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner option or a dish to share at a potluck, this casserole delivers on flavor and simplicity. Don’t hesitate to get creative with ingredient swaps or spice additions to tailor the dish to your liking. For a balanced meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh side salad or some steamed veggies.
Leftovers can be conveniently stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and easily reheated in the oven or microwave. Should you find the casserole a tad dry upon reheating, a splash of extra chicken broth or water before heating will help restore its succulence. This hearty and satisfying casserole is a reliable crowd-pleaser that can be savored at any mealtime, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or leisurely gatherings.
Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts diced
- Long-grain white rice
- Chicken broth
- Cream of chicken soup
- Peas
- Carrots
- Onion chopped
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, long-grain white rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, peas, carrots, onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Transfer the chicken and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil to trap moisture, and promote even cooking.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to cook through.
- Remove the foil from the dish, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole, and return it to the oven to bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once the cheese is gooey and golden, remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve this comforting chicken and rice dish to enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Video
Notes
Feel free to customize the vegetables in the casserole based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
For a crispy top, broil the casserole for a few minutes after melting the cheese.
Make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking for an easy weeknight meal.
Substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or ham for a different twist on this classic casserole.
