Description
Looking for a heartwarming dinner that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? This Chicken and Rice Casserole is a total winner! A perfect combination of creamy soup, tender chicken, fluffy rice, and optional cheese for extra goodness. Ready in about an hour, this is the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love! Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
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2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
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1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or any cream soup you like)
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1 can (10.5 oz) chicken broth (or use water with a chicken bouillon cube)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesy casserole)
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1 small onion, chopped
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, for added veggies)
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for flavor and color)
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
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1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, cook 1 cup of rice according to the package instructions. Alternatively, use leftover rice.
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Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes).
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Prepare the sauce: Stir in the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until smooth and combined, then let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
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Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, sautéed onion and garlic mixture, peas (if using), and shredded cheddar cheese (if using). Stir to combine.
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Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
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Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is slightly golden and bubbly.
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Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
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Cheese lovers: Feel free to add more shredded cheddar cheese to the casserole for an extra cheesy kick.
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Add veggies: You can mix in other veggies like broccoli, mushrooms, or carrots to make this a more filling and veggie-packed meal.
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Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you prefer some heat in your casserole.
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Meal prep: This casserole stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days, so it’s perfect for meal prepping for the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg