Oven Chicken And Rice Casserole
Oven Chicken and Rice Casserole combines tender chicken, flavorful onion soup, and creamy mushroom sauce, baked to perfection. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners, offering comforting flavors with minimal prep. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to customize and sure to satisfy all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a baking dish.
- Cool slightly.
- Pour uncooked rice over the melted margarine.
- Arrange salted pieces of cut-up chicken over the rice.
- Sprinkle with dry onion soup mix.
- Combine cream of mushroom soup with water.
- Pour the mushroom soup mixture over the chicken.
- Cover the dish tightly with a lid or foil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Uncover the dish during the last 15 minutes of baking to brown the chicken.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you prefer, brown the chicken pieces in a skillet before placing them in the casserole for added depth. To add some vegetables, throw in peas or carrots with the rice. This dish pairs beautifully with Pumpkin Pecan Pie for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley for color. It goes well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier side, consider pairing it with Macaroon Angel Cakes for dessert to complement the flavors of the chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes, ensuring it's hot in the center.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Chicken And Rice Casserole contains roughly 273 calories, with 8g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1807mg per serving (79% 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 substitute brown rice, but be aware that it will require a longer cooking time. Adjust the water amount as needed since brown rice absorbs more liquid. Cooking it for about 2 hours at the same temperature should yield good results.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use a homemade cream sauce or substitute with cream of chicken soup. For a vegetarian option, try a homemade white sauce or a store-bought cream of celery soup.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced, and the chicken should be tender and easily pulled apart.
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).