Chicken Rice Hot Dish
A comforting chicken and rice hot dish featuring creamy mushroom and celery flavors, baked to perfection with tender chicken thighs and savory onion seasoning. Ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners, this casserole offers hearty, satisfying goodness with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 9 x 13-inch pan, mix together the rice, boiling water, chopped celery, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of celery soup.
- Lay the raw chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken and rice mixture.
- Cover the pan tightly with foil.
- Bake for 3 hours without peeking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream to the mixture before baking. If you're out of cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, you can substitute with any other cream soup you have on hand or use Homemade Potato Soup for a unique twist. Adjust the chicken thighs based on your preference; boneless skinless thighs work well too.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Rice Hot Dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Holiday Peas for a seasonal touch. You can also offer some crusty bread or rolls on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Rice Hot Dish contains roughly 417 calories, with 13g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1318mg per serving (57% 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 use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time. Increase the baking time by about 30 minutes and ensure that you have enough liquid in the dish to cook the rice properly.
Is it necessary to cover the dish while baking?
Yes, covering the dish with foil helps to trap the steam, ensuring that the rice cooks evenly and the chicken stays moist. Avoid removing the foil during baking, as this could dry out the dish.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can incorporate frozen peas, carrots, or green beans into the rice mixture before baking for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the liquid slightly if you add more ingredients.
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).