Grandma'S Chicken Casserole
A comforting chicken casserole featuring tender chicken, flavorful onion soup, and creamy mushroom sauce all baked with rice, creating a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12x9 inch baking dish.
- Pour the rice into the bottom of the dish and place the chicken on top of the rice.
- Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix over the chicken and rice.
- Heat the cream of mushroom soup and water until hot, then pour over the top of the casserole.
- Add butter on top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier casserole, consider adding a splash of milk or using cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom soup. If you prefer a more flavorful rice, try toasting it in a bit of butter before layering it in the dish. Leftover chicken can be shredded and used in Chicken Salad Finger Sandwiches or added to salads for a delicious twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh Broccoli Ring or a simple side salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it with warm bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, a Chicken Caesar Salad on the side can complement the richness of the casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to maintain moisture and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Chicken Casserole contains roughly 881 calories, with 6g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% 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 you will need to increase the baking time by about 30 minutes since brown rice takes longer to cook. Ensure that you also add extra liquid to help it cook properly.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What can I substitute for the whole chicken?
You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts for quicker cooking. Alternatively, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut; just shred it and layer it with the other ingredients for a faster prep 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).