Barbara'S Chicken Casserole
A hearty chicken casserole combining tender chicken, flavorful rice, melted cheese, and creamy soups, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chicken in 4 cups water until tender, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- Pour off broth, let chicken cool, and then cut into pieces.
- Cook rice in chicken broth.
- Sauté or boil onions and green peppers until soft.
- In a greased large casserole dish, layer the cooked chicken at the bottom.
- Add the cooked rice on top of the chicken.
- Spread the sautéed onions and peppers over the rice.
- Pour the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups over the layers.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and cover with shredded Cheddar and Mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in your favorite spices or herbs before cooking. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the cooked chicken. You can use any combination of cheeses you prefer, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick. To enhance the dish, add some garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the soups.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread or a light soup such as Mushroom Chicken Barley Soup for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven will keep the cheese from getting rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbara'S Chicken Casserole contains roughly 897 calories, with 61g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (122% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and calcium (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1776mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will take longer to cook. Make sure to adjust the cooking time for the rice to ensure it is fully cooked and tender before layering it in the casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of celery or cream of chicken soup as a substitute. Alternatively, you can make a homemade white sauce with sautéed mushrooms for a fresher flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).