Rice And Chicken Casserole
A comforting chicken and rice casserole with a creamy, savory sauce and tender baked chicken breasts. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this dish combines hearty flavors with minimal prep, baking into a flavorful, satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix the cream of chicken or celery soup with the milk; set aside half of this mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine the remaining soup mixture, uncooked rice, and 1/4 of the onion soup mix.
- Pour the rice mixture into an ungreased baking dish.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
- Pour the reserved soup mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle the remaining onion soup mix over everything.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of yogurt and spices before adding them to the casserole. You can substitute jasmine or basmati rice for a different texture. If you're short on time, use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts. This dish is a great option for busy weeknights and pairs well with a side salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside crusty bread or biscuits. This dish is a comforting option that complements other American recipes, making it a versatile choice for family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover rice and chicken casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice And Chicken Casserole contains roughly 320 calories, with 9g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value) and iron (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1245mg 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 brown rice instead of white rice in this casserole?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically requires more water and a longer cooking time, so consider pre-cooking it slightly before adding to the casserole to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
What can I use if I don't have cream of chicken soup?
If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with cream of celery soup or make a homemade version using flour, butter, and chicken broth. This will maintain the creamy texture needed for the casserole while providing a different flavor profile.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli can enhance the nutrition and flavor of the dish. Stir in frozen or fresh vegetables with the rice mixture before baking, and adjust the cooking time if necessary to ensure everything is tender.
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).