Chicken Continental Rice
Creamy chicken rice dish with savory flavors, perfect for a comforting family dinner. Easily customizable with herbs and spices to suit any palate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the cream of chicken soup, grated onion, celery flakes, pepper, salt, parsley, and thyme in a saucepan.
- Gradually add water and blend thoroughly until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Pour the soup mixture over uncooked Minute rice in a shallow casserole dish.
- Stir just to moisten the rice.
- Cover and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until the rice absorbs most of the liquid.
- Sprinkle with paprika before serving.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve with fried chicken.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked vegetables like peas or carrots, or even cooked chicken for a heartier dish. If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce. Adjust the spices according to your taste preference; fresh herbs can also enhance the dish. This recipe is a great way to use leftover rice from other meals.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Continental Rice pairs beautifully with fried chicken, making for a comforting meal. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition. For a more substantial dinner, consider offering it with Katie's Chicken Wings or a side of Lovetta's Potatoes. A light dessert, such as fruit salad or sorbet, can round out the meal perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice to prevent it from drying out, then cover and microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding water as needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Continental Rice contains roughly 599 calories, with 36g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (140% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1969mg per serving (86% 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?
While you can substitute brown rice, you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount, as brown rice typically requires more time and water to cook. Plan for an additional 10-15 minutes of baking time and check for doneness before serving.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom or vegetable soup. Additionally, consider using vegetable broth in place of water for added flavor, and you can include assorted vegetables to enhance the dish.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup mixture and assemble everything in the casserole dish a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).