Description
Comfort meets convenience in this classic Chicken and Rice Casserole, melding tender poultry with creamy rice in a soul-warming dish. Home cooks can savor this simple yet satisfying meal that brings warmth and flavor to any dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Base:
- 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Rice and Soup Mixture:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 10.5 ounces (298 grams) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 10.5 ounces (298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
- 1 ¾ cups (414 milliliters) chicken broth
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
Seasonings and Toppings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
- Create a creamy base by whisking together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, and selected seasonings until smooth and well-combined.
- Incorporate uncooked rice directly into the liquid mixture, ensuring even distribution and allowing the grains to absorb the flavorful sauce.
- Transfer the rice and sauce blend into the prepared baking dish, carefully spreading the mixture to form an even layer across the bottom of the pan.
- Gently position raw chicken breasts or thighs atop the rice mixture, creating a uniform arrangement that allows each piece to cook evenly.
- Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling additional salt, pepper, and paprika over the chicken pieces for extra seasoning.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap moisture and promote even cooking during the baking process.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until rice reaches a tender consistency and chicken is thoroughly cooked through (internal temperature of 165F).
- Remove the foil covering and optionally sprinkle cheese over the surface for a golden, melted topping.
- Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow cheese to melt and develop a light golden color.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness before serving to enhance the visual appeal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soups to control salt content and make the dish healthier for those watching their sodium intake.
- Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition and a whole grain boost, though cooking time might slightly increase.
- For a gluten-free version, choose certified gluten-free cream soups and verify all seasonings are gluten-free.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend to customize flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg