Description
Comfort meets nostalgia in this forgotten chicken and rice dish, where tender poultry nestles alongside perfectly seasoned grains. Rich family recipes tell stories of warmth and connection, inviting you to savor each memorable bite of this classic home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups instant rice (white or brown)
Soup Ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) water
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing
Optional Additions:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Frozen vegetables
- Diced chicken
Instructions
- Craft a comfortable workspace by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an ideal cooking environment for this comforting casserole.
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by generously coating the surface with butter, creating a non-stick foundation for the dish.
- Create a smooth, creamy base by whisking together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and uncooked rice in a mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
- Transfer the silky soup and rice blend into the buttered baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Carefully arrange chicken breasts atop the rice mixture, ensuring they are nestled comfortably within the creamy landscape.
- Liberally dust the entire surface with onion soup mix, allowing the powdery seasoning to cascade over both chicken and rice, promising a flavor-packed experience.
- Shield the entire casserole with aluminum foil, creating a protective cover that will trap moisture and promote even cooking.
- Slide the covered pan into the preheated oven and allow it to transform for 1 to 1½ hours, monitoring until the chicken reaches perfect doneness and rice achieves a tender texture.
- For an optional flavor enhancement, remove the foil during the final 10 minutes of baking and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the top.
- After removing from the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and settle before serving directly from the baking pan.
Notes
- Swap cream soups for homemade versions to reduce sodium and control ingredients for healthier eating.
- Substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa to boost nutritional value and add more fiber.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for richer flavor and juicier meat that stays moist during long cooking time.
- Keep extra liquid handy in case rice needs more moisture during baking, preventing dry or undercooked grains.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg