Description
Hearty chicken & rice casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending tender chicken, fluffy rice, and rich, velvety sauce in one wholesome dish. Warm, satisfying flavors promise to comfort and nourish you with each delightful, home-cooked bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Grains and Base:
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 0.5 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy and Sauce:
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by sautéing finely chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until they become soft and translucent, releasing their fragrant essence.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend tender shredded chicken, uncooked rice grains, rich chicken broth, creamy mushroom soup, vibrant frozen mixed vegetables, and a harmonious blend of thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Expertly transfer the integrated mixture into a generously greased rectangular baking vessel, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
- Generously crown the casserole with a lavish layer of shredded cheddar cheese, creating a golden, melty topping.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and slide into a preheated oven calibrated to 375°F (190°C), allowing the ingredients to meld and cook for approximately 45 minutes.
- Remove the protective foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, watching as the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown crust.
- After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest briefly, enabling the flavors to settle and the texture to stabilize.
- For an elegant finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving, adding a pop of color and fresh herbaceous note.
Notes
- Quickly toast rice in skillet before adding liquids to enhance nutty flavor and prevent mushiness.
- Swap cream of mushroom soup with homemade white sauce for lower sodium and preservative-free option.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken to save time and add extra depth of flavor.
- For gluten-free version, replace cream of mushroom soup with gluten-free alternative and use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg