Description
Comforting chicken rice casserole delivers pure homestyle magic with creamy layers of tender chicken and fluffy rice. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a soul-warming meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2–3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
Rice and Liquid Components:
- 2 cups uncooked minute rice
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup water
Seasoning and Creamy Elements:
- 1 package onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a cooking environment for a hearty casserole.
- Combine shredded chicken, onion soup mix, creamy soups, milk, sour cream, water, uncooked rice, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking, then transfer the mixed ingredients into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, creating a protective layer that traps moisture and promotes even cooking.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb liquid and the flavors to meld together.
- Carefully remove the foil, exposing the casserole’s surface to direct heat, which will create a golden, slightly crispy top.
- Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and light browning around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing the contents to settle and making serving easier.
Notes
- Swap cream soups for homemade versions to reduce sodium and control ingredients for a healthier, fresher taste.
- Add extra vegetables like diced carrots, peas, or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more colorful, vibrant dish.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken to save time and add deeper flavor complexity to the casserole.
- For gluten-free option, replace onion soup mix with gluten-free seasoning blend and use cornstarch instead of traditional thickeners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 405 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg