Church Chicken And Rice
A hearty casserole combining tender fried chicken with creamy rice and savory flavors, ideal for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 12-inch pan.
- Sprinkle the Minute rice over the bottom of the pan.
- Mix the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and milk together.
- Pour the soup mixture over the rice.
- Stir with a fork to combine, then lay the fried chicken on top.
- Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup over the chicken.
- Seal the pan tightly with foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a combination of half-and-half instead of milk. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for frying your own chicken. Make sure to adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking. Adding sautéed onions or bell peppers can enhance the flavor profile significantly. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes like Lancaster Corn Chowder.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. A light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the chicken and rice. Consider pairing it with cornbread for a comforting touch. For a complete experience, browse more Chicken recipes for potential side dishes that match well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven at 350°F covered with foil for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Church Chicken And Rice contains roughly 219 calories, with 6g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value) and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1126mg per serving (49% 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 Minute rice?
While you can use brown rice, you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts as brown rice typically takes longer to cook. Using the same method, ensure to increase the baking time to about 4-5 hours at 350°F until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
What can I substitute for Lipton onion soup?
If you don't have Lipton onion soup, you can create a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. This will give you a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, homemade onion soup mix recipes can also be used for a more natural flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Assemble everything in the pan, cover tightly with foil, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
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).