Versatile Cheesy Chicken 'N Rice Supreme
A creamy, cheesy chicken and rice casserole with a touch of green chilies and toasted almonds, perfect for comforting family dinners and versatile enough for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 5 chicken breasts, cooked, cooled, boned, and cubed ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 chicken bouillon cube ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. onion ⓘ
- 1 can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups grated Colby cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups sliced and toasted almonds ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook chicken in water seasoned with salt, 1 tablespoon Chefway oil, and 1/8 teaspoon minced garlic.
- Remove chicken when done. Cool, bone, and cut into cubes.
- Save the broth; add the chicken bouillon cube to the broth.
- Cook the rice in the broth until tender.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, chopped green chilies, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and grated Colby cheese.
- Fold in the cubed chicken and toasted sliced almonds, reserving some cheese and almonds for topping.
- Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle reserved cheese, almonds, and paprika on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. You can substitute the Colby cheese with Monterey Jack or Cheddar for a different taste. If you want to make it lighter, use low-fat sour cream. Adjust the garlic to your preference, or add some herbs like thyme or parsley to enhance the dish further.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread or a side of roasted potatoes. For a comforting twist, consider serving it with a scoop of Low-Fat Chicken-Corn Chowder for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid drying out the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Versatile Cheesy Chicken 'N Rice Supreme contains roughly 1153 calories, with 71g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (193% of the Daily Value), protein (142% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (112% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1694mg per serving (74% 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 uncooked chicken instead of pre-cooked?
Yes, you can use uncooked chicken. Simply cook the chicken breasts in seasoned water until fully cooked, then shred or cube them. Ensure to save the broth for cooking the rice, as it enhances the flavor of the dish.
What can I use if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce. Just mix together butter, flour, and chicken broth for a quick alternative that will still provide creaminess to the dish.
Can this dish be frozen for later use?
Yes, this cheesy chicken and rice can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until warmed through.
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).