Chicken And Rice Casserole
This Chicken And Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting one-dish meal combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of vegetables baked in a creamy sauce. Easy to prepare and customizable to suit your tastes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual family meals that everyone will love.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
Liquids & Sauces
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as diced bell peppers, peas, carrots)
Dairy & Cheese (Optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp mixed herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or oregano)
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- Prepare the Chicken and Aromatics: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned on the outside. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
- Combine Ingredients in a Casserole Dish: Transfer the chicken and sautéed aromatics to a baking dish. Add the uncooked long-grain white rice, chicken broth, and cream of mushroom or chicken soup. Stir gently to distribute the rice evenly. Incorporate the mixed vegetables, mixing lightly to combine.
- Bake Until Tender and Bubbly: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let It Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time allows the rice to absorb the flavors fully and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Use uncooked rice to ensure it absorbs flavors and doesn’t become mushy.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to solidify flavors and texture.
- Cut chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Cover the dish tightly while baking to trap steam, ensuring perfectly cooked rice.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme after baking to preserve vibrant flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, rice casserole, one-dish meal, comfort food, easy dinner, baked chicken and rice