Chicken And Rice Casserole
This Chicken And Rice Casserole is a warm, comforting one-dish meal combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Easy to prepare with simple pantry staples, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep with customizable options to suit your taste and dietary needs.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein & Main Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (preferably fresh)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings & Optional Add-ins
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 tbsp oil (for sautéing)
- Prepare the ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. If using fresh vegetables instead of frozen, chop them into small, even pieces for balanced cooking.
- Sauté aromatics and chicken: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, then add the chicken pieces, cooking until just browned on the outside but not fully cooked through.
- Combine the casserole base: In a large mixing bowl, blend the condensed cream of mushroom soup with chicken broth until smooth. Stir in uncooked rice, frozen vegetables, and the sautéed chicken mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, and return to the oven uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh chicken broth for better flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken during sautéing to keep it juicy.
- Cover tightly during baking to trap steam and cook rice evenly.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to set and hold its shape.
- Try adding mix-ins like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Chicken casserole, rice casserole, comfort food, one-dish meal, easy dinner, creamy chicken bake