Three Cheers For Chicken
A comforting chicken casserole with rice, vegetables, and creamy soups, topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners and those craving hearty, flavorful comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Salt and pepper the chicken breasts and place them in a large 11 x 14-inch Pyrex dish.
- Melt the margarine and add chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, chopped pimentos, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, water, and sliced water chestnuts.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F and continue baking for an additional 1 hour.
- Add grated Cheddar cheese 5 minutes before the dish is done and return to the oven for the last 5 minutes until cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using skinless chicken breasts and swapping margarine for olive oil. You can also substitute brown rice for white rice for added nutrition, though cooking time may vary. If pimentos are not available, diced tomatoes can add a similar flavor. For extra flavor, try adding garlic or herbs like thyme or rosemary to the vegetable mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the cheese. It pairs beautifully with Chunky Chicken Salad for a delightful meal combination. For a hearty option, consider a side of garlic bread or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a lid or wrap. Heat on medium power until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Cheers For Chicken contains roughly 762 calories, with 11g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2948mg per serving (128% 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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it is recommended to thaw them first for even cooking. If using frozen, increase the baking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through. Always check the internal temperature to reach at least 165°F.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with homemade cream sauce or use an equal amount of cream of mushroom soup. For a dairy-free option, you could try coconut milk mixed with cornstarch for thickening.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the vegetable mixture. You could also sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking for an extra kick.
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).