Chicken Rice Meal
A hearty baked chicken and rice casserole layered with bread, cheese, and mushrooms, perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with buttered bread slices, crusts removed.
- Combine chopped cooked chicken, sliced mushrooms, cooked rice, and grated cheese in a bowl.
- Spoon the chicken mixture over the bread slices in the baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine eggs, milk, salad dressing, pimento, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the dish.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 35 to 45 minutes until set and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more cream of mushroom soup or using a different type of cheese like mozzarella. If you prefer, you can replace the cooked chicken with leftover rotisserie chicken for added flavor. To enhance the dish, add some sautéed onions or bell peppers to the chicken mixture. This Chicken Rice Meal is reminiscent of comforting American recipes, making it a great family favorite.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Rice Meal is perfect as a standalone dish, but you can serve it with a side salad for added freshness. Consider pairing it with roasted vegetables or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, serve alongside Southern Fried Chicken And Gravy for a hearty dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Rice Meal contains roughly 820 calories, with 16g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (86% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1221mg per serving (53% 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 uncooked chicken in this recipe?
It's best to use cooked chicken in this recipe as it ensures even cooking and safety. If you only have raw chicken, consider pre-cooking it and then shredding or chopping it before adding it to the mixture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes and then bake as directed.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or homemade béchamel sauce as a substitute. Both options will maintain the creaminess and flavor of the dish.
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).