Creamy Chicken - Rice Casserole
A creamy, comforting rice casserole loaded with tender chicken, green beans, mushrooms, pimentos, and melted Swiss cheese, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. long grain and wild rice mix ⓘ
- 3 to 4 c. chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 oz. jar diced pimento, drained
- 16 oz. frozen French-style green beans ⓘ
- 6 oz. jar sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 8 oz. can sliced water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 10 3/4 oz. can cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 8 oz. sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 4 oz. shredded Swiss/Fontina cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package directions.
- Combine the cooked rice with chopped chicken, onion, pimentos, green beans, mushrooms, water chestnuts, cream of celery soup, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and spoon into a shallow 3-quart baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until bubbly around the edges.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or additional sour cream. You can substitute the long grain and wild rice mix with a plain rice variety if preferred. If you have leftover vegetables, like peas or carrots, feel free to toss them in for added flavor and nutrition. This dish is reminiscent of other comforting chicken recipes, such as Easy Sunday Chicken Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken and rice casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread or a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a heartier option, you could serve it with mashed potatoes, echoing the comforting vibe of American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, approximately 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Chicken - Rice Casserole contains roughly 331 calories, with 8g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (37% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1152mg per serving (50% 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 rice instead of cooked?
It's best to use pre-cooked rice for this recipe to ensure that the casserole cooks evenly and the rice doesn't become too mushy. If you prefer using uncooked rice, you may need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Consider using a rice cooker to prepare the rice beforehand to get the best results.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Assemble the dish without baking it, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if the casserole is still cold.
What can I substitute for the cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup as an alternative. Alternatively, you can make a homemade version by combining a white sauce with sautéed celery for flavor. This flexibility allows you to cater to your taste preferences while maintaining the creaminess 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).