Chicken and Rice Casserole - BeCentsational

Chicken and Rice Casserole

July 29, 2024
An overhead view of a chicken and rice casserole in a white baking dish, featuring golden-brown chicken on top of a bed of creamy rice and mushrooms, freshly garnished with chopped parsley.

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Our Chicken and Rice Casserole is a classic and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

This casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, and family dinners, this casserole is easy to make and loved by all.

Whether you’re looking for comfort food, or a quick dinner recipe, this casserole dish fits the bill.

It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken and transform it into a new and exciting meal.

Perfect for fall recipes, winter recipes, and back-to-school dinner ideas, this Chicken and Rice Casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

A serving of chicken and rice casserole on a white plate garnished with fresh herbs. The creamy rice is mixed with chunks of golden brown chicken and sliced mushrooms, offering a visually appealing dish that's sprinkled with finely chopped parsley.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Classic Comfort Food: A familiar and beloved dish that’s always a hit.
  • Hearty and Satisfying: A complete meal with protein, carbs, and vegetables.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
A side view of a chicken and rice casserole served on a plate, sprinkled with fresh herbs, with crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces visible among the creamy rice.

Chicken and Rice Casserole Ingredients

  • Chicken: Provides a hearty protein base.
  • Long-Grain White Rice: Ensures the rice cooks perfectly without becoming mushy.
  • Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and depth of flavor.
  • Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds a rich and savory element.
  • Water and Chicken Broth: Keeps the rice moist and flavorful.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle savory note.
  • Onion Powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a mild onion taste.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
  • Frozen Peas and Carrots: (Optional) Adds color, nutrition, and texture.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: (Optional) Adds a melty, cheesy topping.
A close-up of a creamy chicken and rice casserole on a white plate, topped with melted cheese and garnished with parsley, showcasing a forkful of the dish lifted above.

How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, water, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. If you’re adding vegetables, mix them in now.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the rice and soup mixture into the prepared baking dish. Place the shredded chicken on top of the rice mixture, pressing it down slightly to ensure it is partially submerged.
  5. Cover Tightly: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is crucial, as it traps the steam and ensures the rice cooks perfectly.
  6. Bake: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes. Resist the urge to peek!
  7. Check and Serve: After 50 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and carefully lift a corner of the foil to check for doneness. The rice should be tender and the chicken cooked through. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.
A close-up view of chicken and rice casserole in a white baking dish, showcasing pieces of juicy, golden-brown chicken atop a bed of seasoned rice mixed with carrots and mushrooms. Fresh parsley is sprinkled over the top, adding a touch of green to the warm, earthy tones of the dish.

Tips for the Perfect Casserole

  • Don’t Peek: The key to this recipe is not lifting the foil during baking. Trust the process, and your casserole will come out perfectly.
  • Use Long-Grain Rice: Short-grain or instant rice may not cook properly in this recipe. Stick with long-grain for best results.
  • Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add herbs or spices that your family enjoys.
  • Add Veggies: Incorporating vegetables makes this dish even more nutritious and adds a pop of color.
  • Put Under Boiler: If you want a crispy top and golden, place the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes at the end of baking.
A plate of chicken and rice casserole close-up, featuring succulent pieces of chicken with a golden crust, nestled in a bed of creamy rice and sliced mushrooms. The dish is garnished with herbs, enhancing its appetizing look with a sprinkle of fresh green parsley.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Pair with a glass of white wine or your favorite beverage for an extra special touch.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
An overhead view of a chicken and rice casserole in a white baking dish, featuring golden-brown chicken on top of a bed of creamy rice and mushrooms, freshly garnished with chopped parsley.
Yield: 6 servings

Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Our Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting classic that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and family dinners, this casserole is easy to make and loved by all.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, chicken breasts chopped in small chunks
  • 2 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, water, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. If you're adding vegetables, mix them in now.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the rice and soup mixture into the prepared baking dish. Place the shredded chicken on top of the rice mixture, pressing it down slightly to ensure it is partially submerged.
  5. Cover Tightly: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is crucial, as it traps the steam and ensures the rice cooks perfectly.
  6. Bake: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes. Resist the urge to peek!
  7. Check and Serve: After 50 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and carefully lift a corner of the foil to check for doneness. The rice should be tender and the chicken cooked through. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.

Notes

  • Don't Peek: The key to this recipe is not lifting the foil during baking. Trust the process, and your casserole will come out perfectly.
  • Use Long-Grain Rice: Short-grain or instant rice may not cook properly in this recipe. Stick with long-grain for best results.
  • Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add herbs or spices that your family enjoys.
  • Put Under Boiler: If you want a crispy top and golden, place the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes at the end of baking.

    • Nutrition Information

    Yield

    6

    Serving Size

    1
    Amount Per Serving Calories 401Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 95mgSodium 1076mgCarbohydrates 28gFiber 1gSugar 5gProtein 35g
    © Be Centsational
    Cuisine: American / Category: Casseroles

    More Chicken Casserole Recipes to Try

    If you loved our Chicken and Rice Casserole, here are some other delicious chicken casserole recipes a must try.

    Crockpot Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: Rich and creamy slow-cooked chicken casserole.

    Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole: Tender chicken and fluffy rice in a luxurious, creamy sauce.

    Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: Decadent chicken casserole that’s sure to be a family favorite.

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