Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Chicken and Rice Casserole that combines tender chicken breasts with creamy rice and a blend of savory soups, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this baked dish delivers warm, hearty flavors with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1½ cups long grain white rice
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup (or homemade equivalent)
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 batch homemade onion soup mix or 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 3 thick boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the long grain white rice, cream of chicken or mushroom soup, water, milk, and onion soup mix, stirring thoroughly to blend all ingredients.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly for consistent cooking.
- Season and Add Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then arrange them on top of the rice mixture in the dish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to cook the chicken and allow the rice to begin absorbing flavors.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil carefully and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Continue Baking: Bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top, and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
- For a homemade onion soup mix, combine onion powder, beef bouillon granules, parsley flakes, onion flakes, and black pepper.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
