Easy Chicken 'N Rice
A comforting, hearty chicken and rice dish with creamy soups and flavorful broth, perfect for family dinners and easy to prepare on busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the cut-up chicken in salted water until tender.
- Debone the chicken and add it back to the broth.
- Add the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, dry cream of chicken envelopes, chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper to the broth.
- Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes or as long as desired.
- Add rice about 5 minutes before serving.
- Ensure the mixture is very soupy when combined, as it will thicken after a few minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream to the soup mix. If you don't have chicken bouillon, you can use vegetable broth as a substitute. You can also enhance the flavor by including minced garlic or herbs like thyme. Feel free to use frozen chicken if that's what you have on hand, but adjust cooking times accordingly. This recipe is similar to Chicken Rice Casserole(From Leftovers) in its comforting nature.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Tailgate Potatoes for a comforting dinner. For a bit of crunch, consider serving with garlic bread or crusty rolls. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the mixture to prevent it from drying out, and warm it in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. You can also use the microwave, covering the dish to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chicken 'N Rice contains roughly 73 calories, with 7g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1188mg per serving (52% 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 keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. Brown rice typically takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, so add it to the broth earlier to ensure it's tender by the time the chicken mixture is ready.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream soups with homemade versions using low-fat milk and whole ingredients. Additionally, using skinless chicken can reduce the fat content. Incorporating more vegetables, such as peas or carrots, can also add nutritional value.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
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).