Nonnie'S Chicken And Rice
A comforting chicken and rice casserole bursting with savory flavors, tender chicken breasts, and aromatic herbs, perfect for family dinners and hearty meals.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 3 soup cans of water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups long grain rice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the chicken breasts on each side in a small amount of oil.
- Combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, rice, and spices in a bowl and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a 4-quart casserole dish.
- Arrange the browned chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Cover the dish and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or milk to the soup mixture. If you don't have long grain rice, you can substitute with jasmine or basmati rice, but adjust the water amount as needed. Enhance the flavor by marinating the chicken in spices for a few hours before browning. This dish is similar to other chicken recipes like Lucy's Chicken Casserole for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness. It pairs beautifully with Microwave Broccoli Chicken for a complete meal. For a kick, consider adding a side of spicy pickles or a tangy slaw. Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness.
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 heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it's fully cooled before sealing in a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nonnie'S Chicken And Rice contains roughly 978 calories, with 36g protein, 163g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (238% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (208% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 982mg per serving (43% 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'll need to increase the cooking time and water. Brown rice typically requires about 1 3/4 cups of water for every cup of rice and will take approximately 60 minutes to cook through in this dish.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you want a healthier option or a homemade version, you can use homemade chicken gravy or make a roux with chicken broth and milk. Alternatively, a can of plain yogurt can add creaminess without the extra calories.
Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this in a slow cooker, simply brown the chicken first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
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).