Easy Sunday Chicken Casserole
A comforting, easy-to-make chicken casserole featuring tender chicken, flavorful rice, and creamy soups, perfect for family dinners or Sunday meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine rice and chicken broth in a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Lay chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
- Pour melted margarine over the chicken.
- Mix cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom soup, and dry onion soup mix; spoon over the chicken.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake at 275°F for 3 hours.
- Serve when ready after baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in the onion soup mix mixed with some yogurt or buttermilk for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a different taste. If you prefer a bit of crunch, top the casserole with crushed crackers or fried onions before baking, similar to some Chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Sunday Chicken Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also goes well with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious sauce. For a heartier option, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or pasta. Consider a glass of white wine to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. You can also microwave individual servings, but be sure to add a splash of chicken broth to keep it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Sunday Chicken Casserole contains roughly 548 calories, with 25g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1444mg per serving (63% 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 substitute brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time. You may need to increase the baking time to about 4 hours to ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! You can mix in frozen peas, corn, or chopped carrots with the rice before adding the chicken. This will add nutrition and color to your dish.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, you may need to add an additional 15-30 minutes to the cooking time.
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).