Jiffy Chicken 'N Rice
Creamy chicken and rice casserole with cheese, peas, and crispy onions, perfect for a comforting family dinner or weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a saucepan, combine hot cooked rice, cheese spread, milk, cubed chicken, thawed peas, and half of the onions.
- Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Spoon the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake, covered, at 375°F for 25 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
- Remove from oven, top with remaining onions.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 3 minutes or until the onions are golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic powder or paprika to the mixture. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half of the cheese spread with Greek yogurt. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also elevate the dish. For a unique twist, try incorporating ingredients from other chicken recipes, such as spinach or mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For added crunch, consider serving with garlic bread or biscuits. It also makes for a hearty lunch option, perfect for meal prep. Explore more American recipes for additional serving ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of milk before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jiffy Chicken 'N Rice contains roughly 495 calories, with 13g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 regular rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but note that it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure the rice is fully cooked before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure even heating during baking.
What can I use instead of cheese spread?
If you prefer a healthier alternative, try using cream cheese or a homemade cheese sauce. For a dairy-free option, nut-based cheese spreads can work well, just ensure they melt properly.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or carrots. Just make sure they are cooked or thawed before adding them to the mixture for even cooking.
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).