Description
Comfort meets culinary magic in this soul-warming Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight, blending tender chicken with velvety rice in a creamy embrace. Family dinners will never be the same once you savor this hearty, nostalgic masterpiece that promises pure satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups (280 g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
Grains and Liquid Base:
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) uncooked white rice
- 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
- ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120 g) sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and coating a 9×13-inch dish with a light layer of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Create a flavor-packed sauce by whisking together chicken broth, milk, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a blend of aromatic seasonings including garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
- Fold the uncooked rice and shredded chicken into the creamy mixture, ensuring every grain and morsel is thoroughly coated with the savory sauce.
- Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to promote consistent cooking and maximize flavor distribution.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal that traps moisture and allows the rice to steam and become tender during the baking process.
- Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven and allow it to bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until the rice reaches a perfect soft texture and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the foil and generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface, creating a melty, golden layer that will add richness and depth to the dish.
- For added crunch, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter over the cheese, creating a crispy, golden topping that provides textural contrast.
- Return the uncovered casserole to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, watching carefully as the cheese bubbles and the breadcrumb topping transforms into a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbaceous flavor before presenting this comforting meal to eager diners.
Notes
- Enhance rice texture by rinsing uncooked rice thoroughly before adding to the mixture, preventing clumping and ensuring even cooking.
- Substitute dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-intolerant friendly version, maintaining the creamy consistency.
- Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, peas, or spinach to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful, balanced dish.
- For a crispy top, use panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs, which provide a more golden and crunchy texture when mixed with melted butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg