Light 'N Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole
Light 'N Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a creamy mushroom sauce. With its blend of vegetables and simple preparation, it’s perfect for families seeking a healthy yet satisfying meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package directions.
- Combine cooked rice, sliced celery, chopped onion, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients and place them into a lightly greased baking dish.
- Top the mixture with chicken breasts.
- Combine cream of mushroom soup and yogurt; spoon over the chicken breasts.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven.
- Add sliced carrots to the dish and top with paprika.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mix of yogurt and herbs before baking. You can substitute brown rice for long grain rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you want a creamier texture, add a bit more yogurt or use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom. This dish is versatile; feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers or peas.
Serving Suggestions
This Light 'N Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce. It's a comforting dish that fits well into family gatherings or casual dinners, making it a staple in American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Light 'N Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole contains roughly 690 calories, with 23g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (225% of the Daily Value), iron (107% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (96% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1666mg per serving (72% 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 leftover chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken can save time. Simply shred or chop the chicken and mix it in with the other ingredients before baking. You may need to reduce the baking time slightly since the chicken is already cooked.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for nonfat yogurt?
If you don’t have nonfat yogurt, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt as a substitute. Both options will provide a similar creaminess and tanginess to the dish. Just ensure that the consistency is similar to yogurt for the best results.
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).