Description
This comforting Chicken and Rice Casserole combines tender chicken breasts with creamy soup, long grain white rice, and cheddar cheese for a hearty, one-pan meal perfect for family dinners. Simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a go-to casserole that pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Soup Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 batch homemade onion soup mix, or one envelope Lipton onion soup mix
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Chicken
- 3 thick boneless skinless chicken breasts, or thighs
Seasonings
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Mix rice and soup base: In a large bowl, combine the rice, cream of chicken or mushroom soups, milk, water, and onion soup mix. Stir thoroughly until well blended.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the rice and soup mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture.
- Add the chicken: Nestle the chicken breasts into the rice mixture, partially submerging them. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cover and bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, ensuring it is well sealed as the pan will be full. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Baking time may vary based on oven and other factors.
- Add remaining cheese and rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Allow the casserole to cool and set for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm, ideally accompanied by fresh steamed vegetables or a green salad for a balanced meal.
Notes
- This casserole is a family favorite due to its simplicity and comforting flavors, all made in one pan.
- Using boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts will add extra juiciness and flavor, if preferred.
- If you want a different flavor profile, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup as an alternative.
- Letting the casserole cool briefly before serving helps it set and makes it easier to portion.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 418 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 763 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 63 mg
