Chicken-Rice Casserole (Or Turkey)
A comforting chicken and rice casserole with creamy mushroom and green pepper flavors, topped with almonds—perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chicken fat or butter
- 1/3 cup Gold Medal flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked white or wild rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cut-up ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz) can sliced mushrooms, drained (optional) ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped green peppers ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped pimento ⓘ
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Melt chicken fat or butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Blend in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Cook over low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Remove from heat and stir in chicken broth and milk.
- Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir for 1 minute.
- Stir in cooked rice, cooked chicken, sliced mushrooms (if using), chopped green peppers, chopped pimento, and slivered almonds.
- Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier casserole, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute the chicken with turkey for a delicious twist. If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. For an easy side, try pairing it with a simple green salad or some steamed broccoli, which complements the dish nicely.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken-Rice Casserole is a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or some roasted vegetables. For a heartier option, serve it alongside garlic bread or a slice of cornbread. For a comforting winter meal, consider serving it with Broccoli Cheese Soup With Fideos to round out the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Rice Casserole (Or Turkey) contains roughly 345 calories, with 29g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (188% 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 1920mg per serving (83% 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 substitute brown rice for white rice, but be aware that brown rice requires a longer cooking time. Make sure to cook the brown rice beforehand to ensure it’s tender and ready to mix into the casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use as a substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water can be used in a pinch. However, using broth will enhance the flavor significantly. You can also try using homemade stock if you have it on hand for a richer taste.
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).