Carolyn'S Chicken
A hearty casserole combining crispy bacon, tender chicken, flavorful rice, and savory cream of chicken soup, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a casserole dish with chopped bacon strips.
- Add rice, salt, and pepper to the casserole.
- Place chicken pieces over the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle lightly with oregano or paprika.
- Pour the can of water and cream of chicken soup over the ingredients.
- Cover the casserole with foil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked bacon. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked chicken can be substituted for raw, reducing the baking time. For a creamy texture, add a splash of milk or sour cream to the soup mixture. Herbs like thyme or rosemary can also complement the dish nicely. This recipe is versatile enough to try different seasonings, so feel free to experiment!
Serving Suggestions
Serve Carolyn's Chicken with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or dinner rolls would make great sides to soak up the delicious sauce. For a heartier option, pair it with mashed potatoes. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken Pot Pie Made Easy, offering a comforting weeknight dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Carolyn's Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and rice in a covered dish and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but cover it to keep moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carolyn'S Chicken contains roughly 582 calories, with 21g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (217% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (154% of the Daily Value), and calcium (124% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 946mg per serving (41% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time. It’s best to pre-cook the brown rice before adding it to the casserole to ensure everything cooks evenly during baking.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you're looking for a substitute, you can use cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version with a roux and chicken broth. Alternatively, plain yogurt or sour cream can add creaminess while providing a different flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, layer the ingredients as instructed, but cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method will yield tender chicken and flavorful rice, perfect for a busy day.
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).