Chicken Rice Delight
A creamy, hearty chicken and rice casserole with almonds, broccoli, and savory mushroom sauce, perfect for family dinners and gatherings with comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked, sliced chicken ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) package sliced almonds ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fine bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons melted margarine ⓘ
- 1 package frozen broccoli ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and salt until blended.
- Add the cooked, sliced chicken, cooked rice, chopped celery, and chopped onions to the mixture.
- Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Place well-drained cooked broccoli at the bottom of the casserole.
- Add half of the chicken mixture over the broccoli.
- Sprinkle with half of the sliced almonds.
- Add the remaining chicken mixture on top.
- Sprinkle with bread crumbs around the edge of the casserole and place the remaining almonds in the center.
- Drizzle melted margarine over the bread crumbs and almonds.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 45 minutes or until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise and use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup. If you don't have broccoli, feel free to use mixed vegetables or green beans. To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic powder or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. This dish is versatile and can be adapted to include whatever vegetables you have on hand, similar to Rice-A-Roni Chicken Hot Dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Rice Delight with a side salad for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or rolls for a complete meal. You can also consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup for a cozy family dinner. For a twist, try it with a dollop of hot sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warm, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Rice Delight contains roughly 786 calories, with 12g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1919mg 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 leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to save time and reduce waste. Just make sure to shred or slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the mixture. It's an excellent choice for using up any extra chicken from a previous meal.
Can I freeze the Chicken Rice Delight?
Yes, you can freeze this dish before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. If baked and then frozen, reheat from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup, or make a homemade version using a roux and adding sautéed mushrooms. Alternatively, a mixture of heavy cream and chicken broth with sautéed mushrooms can create a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.
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).