Polly'S Chicken Delight
Creamy chicken casserole with rice, cheese, and vegetables, featuring comforting flavors and a crunchy Ritz topping, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless ⓘ
- 2 c. brown rice, cooked ⓘ
- 10 oz. cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 10 oz. cream of broccoli soup ⓘ
- 16 oz. nonfat sour cream ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 11 oz. can of fiesta or Mexican corn ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional) ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped (optional) ⓘ
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Boil chicken until tender; then cut into small pieces.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked brown rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of broccoli soup, nonfat sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, and drained fiesta or Mexican corn.
- Add chopped bell pepper and onion if using.
- Mix in the cooked chicken pieces.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of chicken broth to the mixture before baking. You can substitute the nonfat sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or extra vegetables. Using brown rice adds a nutty flavor that complements the dish, but white rice can also work in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Polly's Chicken Delight with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with American recipes such as cornbread for a comforting dinner. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or a side of roasted sweet potatoes, enhancing the overall flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken delight in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Polly'S Chicken Delight contains roughly 914 calories, with 39g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (236% of the Daily Value), protein (78% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1247mg per serving (54% 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 a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Cheddar cheese adds a nice sharpness, you can experiment with Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or even a blend of cheeses for more complexity. Just ensure the cheese melts well to maintain the creamy texture of the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish spicy?
Certainly! To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the top before baking for an extra kick that complements the creamy flavors.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you're ready to cook, remove the cover and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
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).