Chicken Sunday Dinner Casserole
A comforting chicken casserole featuring tender chicken breasts, creamy rice, and savory onion flavor, perfect for family dinners and hearty gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle rice evenly over the bottom of a well-greased baking dish.
- In a saucepan, heat the cream of celery soup with the milk, stirring until well blended.
- Pour the soup mixture over the rice and chicken breasts.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the soup mixture. You can substitute the chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option. If you're short on time, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can speed up the process. For added flavor, try using a flavored broth instead of water for cooking the rice.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Sunday Dinner Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside Crowd Pleasing Potatoes. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top before serving to elevate the dish's presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Sunday Dinner Casserole contains roughly 398 calories, with 26g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 641mg per serving (28% 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 you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so consider pre-cooking it slightly or increasing the baking time by 15-20 minutes to ensure it's tender and fully cooked.
Is it necessary to use cream of celery soup?
While cream of celery soup adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup if preferred. Each option will slightly change the taste but will still work well in this casserole.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli can enhance both the flavor and nutrition. Just mix them in with the rice before pouring the soup mixture over the top, ensuring they cook through during baking.
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).