Grandchildren'S Favorite Rice And Chicken Casserole
A comforting rice and chicken casserole packed with creamy mushroom and celery flavors, perfect for family dinners and easy to prepare ahead of time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion and broccoli in butter until tender; add to cooked rice.
- Add celery soup, mushroom soup, mushrooms, and cooked chicken to the rice mixture.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding.
- Blend all ingredients and add Cheez Whiz; mix well.
- Cover with foil and bake at 250°F until hot, stirring often to spread the cheese.
- Can be prepared the day before and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a combination of cream of chicken soup and Cheez Whiz. If you want to reduce calories, substitute low-fat cheese or a reduced-fat cream soup. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can add a nice touch. If broccoli isn't available, green beans or peas can be great alternatives. Stir in cooked chicken from leftovers for a quick shortcut.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. You might also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the cheesy goodness. For a complete dinner, consider including a light dessert, such as fruit salad or a sorbet, to refresh the palate after this rich dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven preheated to 350°F, covered with foil to retain moisture, and heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quicker option, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandchildren'S Favorite Rice And Chicken Casserole contains roughly 1180 calories, with 42g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (108% of the Daily Value) and protein (83% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 775mg per serving (34% 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, brown rice can be used for a healthier option. Just ensure it's fully cooked, as it takes longer to cook than white rice. The texture will be heartier, which complements the creamy ingredients well.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and substitute it with additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Replace the soups with vegetable versions for a delicious vegetarian casserole that still has great flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, mix in diced jalapeños or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the mixture. You could also top the casserole with crushed red pepper flakes before baking. This could spice things up just like our Spicy Chicken Casserole!
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).