Mississippi Rice With Chicken
Mississippi Rice with Chicken is a comforting baked casserole featuring tender chicken, seasoned rice, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chicken in water until tender; remove from bones and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine dry onion soup mix, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and chopped pimento.
- In a casserole, layer cooked rice, chicken, and the soup mixture, ending with the mushroom soup mixture on top.
- Sprinkle grated American cheese over the casserole.
- Bake at 375°F until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water for cooking the chicken. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce if you prefer. If you want a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the soup mixture. This dish can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting Mississippi Rice With Chicken alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a warm bread like garlic knots or a crusty baguette, making it a perfect family dinner option. For a lighter alternative, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables from your favorite chicken recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to prevent drying out, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mississippi Rice With Chicken contains roughly 80 calories, with 6g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 587mg per serving (26% 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 boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken works great for this recipe! It will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly, ensuring it is still tender. This can make preparation quicker and easier, especially if you're short on time.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for the American cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, cheddar or Monterey Jack would make excellent substitutes, adding a nice flavor and meltiness to the dish. You could also try a dairy-free cheese option if you're looking for a lactose-free version.
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).