Quick And Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole
A hearty and comforting chicken and rice casserole with creamy mushroom flavor, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners, offering simple ingredients and satisfying taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease the bottom and sides of an 8 x 12-inch casserole dish well.
- Spread uncooked rice evenly over the bottom of the dish.
- Arrange uncooked chicken breasts over the rice.
- Spread undiluted cream of mushroom soup over the chicken.
- Sprinkle oregano and basil over the casserole.
- Add water to the dish and cover.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in your favorite seasoning blend before baking. If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, substitute with cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce. To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and reduce the baking time. This dish can also be adapted with various herbs or veggies, making it a versatile addition to your collection of chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness. It pairs beautifully with Asparagus Casserole Bake for a comforting meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside crusty bread or garlic knots. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated cheese on top before serving can enhance the presentation and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, heating in 1-minute increments until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until hot. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole contains roughly 686 calories, with 29g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (144% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (96% of the Daily Value), and calcium (76% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1112mg per serving (48% 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, but be aware that brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You may need to adjust the water to 2 1/2 cups and bake the casserole for 1 1/2 hours instead of 1 hour.
Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can incorporate frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Just mix them in with the rice before layering the chicken on top.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
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).