Description
A creamy and comforting Chicken and Rice Casserole that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a blend of cheeses, making it the perfect dish for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the uncooked rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is cooked through. Set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Mix the Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, milk, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the chicken and rice mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg