Description
Hearty chicken rice casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending creamy textures with savory chicken and tender rice. Warm, cheesy layers create a satisfying meal that feels like a delicious hug on your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 3 cups diced cooked chicken
- 4 ounces cream cheese
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1.5 cups milk
- 0.5 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar, divided
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 0.25 cup minced onion
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid and Cooking Base:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 1.25 cups white rice, uncooked
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and mushrooms with selected herbs until they become soft and fragrant, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Gently toast the rice in the same skillet for 1-2 minutes, then pour in broth. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb liquid, then let it rest for an additional 10 minutes.
- Combine cooked rice with shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, milk, cream cheese, yogurt, and a portion of cheddar cheese in a large mixing bowl, stirring until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and cover with foil. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Enhance rice texture by toasting it briefly before cooking, which releases nutty flavors and prevents clumping.
- Swap dairy ingredients for dairy-free alternatives like almond milk, coconut yogurt, and vegan cheese to create a lactose-free version.
- Customize protein options by substituting chicken with tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken for vegetarian and vegan adaptations.
- Control moisture levels by draining vegetables thoroughly to prevent watery consistency and maintain a creamy, rich casserole texture.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg