Dannon Light 'N Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole
A hearty and comforting chicken and rice casserole with creamy mushroom and yogurt sauce, accented by fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect for family dinners, this dish offers rich flavors and a satisfying texture, combining tender chicken breasts with seasoned rice and vegetables in a baked casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Carolina or River rice ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons parsley ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 6 chicken breasts, skinned and boned ⓘ
- 1 can (10 3/4 oz.) cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 cup Dannon nonfat yogurt ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced julienne carrots ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package directions.
- Combine cooked rice, sliced celery, chopped onion, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and place into a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Top with chicken breasts.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup and Dannon nonfat yogurt.
- Spread the mixture over the chicken and rice.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a full-fat yogurt instead of nonfat. You can also substitute the chicken breasts with thighs for added flavor and moisture. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and reduce the baking time. Adding some frozen peas or corn can enhance the dish's color and nutrition, making it reminiscent of Chicken With Colorful Rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for mopping up the creamy sauce. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside a side of garlic bread or a light soup, like Quick And Easy Chicken Soup, to start your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dannon Light 'N Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole contains roughly 1518 calories, with 37g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (258% of the Daily Value), iron (153% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (110% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2177mg per serving (95% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Assemble all the ingredients in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use any cream soup variety, such as cream of chicken or cream of celery. Alternatively, you can make a homemade version using a roux and adding sautéed mushrooms for a fresh flavor.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble and bake as directed, then let it cool completely before freezing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as directed.
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).