Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Before we dive into the details of this Chicken and Rice Casserole, let’s set the stage.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 450 kcal
- 3 thick boneless skinless chicken breast fillets (or substitute with boneless thighs for a juicier result)
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups whole milk for extra creaminess
- 2 cans of condensed cream of chicken soup or use cream of mushroom for variation
- 1 envelope onion soup seasoning mix or a homemade batch
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated and divided
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
This step removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, onion soup mix, dried parsley, and garlic powder.
Whisk everything together until smooth. The mixture will create the creamy sauce that binds everything.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
In a large baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly.
Next, place the chicken fillets on top of the rice. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken, ensuring it covers the rice completely. This layer will keep the chicken tender and infuse the rice with flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour. After an hour, remove the foil and sprinkle half of the grated cheese over the top.
Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and form a beautiful golden crust.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs and good-quality cheese for enhanced flavor.
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to toss in frozen peas, corn, or broccoli for added nutrition.
- Season Well: Don’t shy away from salt and pepper. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance.
- Adjust Cooking Time: If using smaller chicken pieces, check for doneness a bit earlier to prevent drying out.
- Try Alternative Cheeses: Mix it up! Gouda or Monterey Jack can work beautifully as substitutes.
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 34gFat: 18gFiber: 2g
Keyword Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe