Chicken In A Casserole
A comforting chicken casserole featuring tender thighs, savory rice, and onion soup flavor, baked to perfection—perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken pieces in a 1 3/4-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with 3/4 cup uncooked rice, then sprinkle the onion soup mix over the top.
- Mix together 1 can chicken soup and 1 1/2 cups water; whisk until smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken, rice, and onion soup mixture.
- Bake uncovered in a 350°F oven for about 1 1/2 hours or until rice is tender.
- Do not salt the dish. You may use whole chicken, cut up, or any chicken pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting brown rice for white for added nutrition and flavor, but adjust the cooking time as brown rice typically requires more liquid and time. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the soup mixture before pouring it over the chicken. This dish is similar to other American recipes like Jimmy's Easy Chicken Casserole, which can be a great alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. For a comforting touch, crusty bread pairs beautifully with the dish, allowing you to scoop up the delicious sauce. This recipe can be a satisfying main course when entertaining or an easy weeknight dinner, similar to the Rice-Sausage Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, ensuring it's heated all the way through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken In A Casserole contains roughly 549 calories, with 19g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1488mg per serving (65% 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 other parts of the chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use whole chicken, cut up, or any chicken pieces you prefer. Bone-in chicken can enhance the flavor, but ensure to adjust cooking time to ensure all pieces are cooked through.
What can I do if I don't have chicken and rice soup?
If you don’t have chicken and rice soup, you can substitute with cream of chicken soup or any other cream soup you have on hand. Just add cooked rice to the mixture to maintain the intended texture.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
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).