How to Make Delicious Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken and rice casserole is a classic dish that can be the perfect meal for family gatherings or casual dinners. This comforting recipe combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice into one delicious casserole. It’s easy to prepare, affordable, and quick enough to serve on busy weeknights.

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 50 minutes, including preparation and baking. It serves four people generously. The dish can be enjoyed by all age groups as it has a mild flavor profile that everyone will love.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
4 cups uncooked long-grain rice
4 cups water or chicken broth
1 can (10 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter, softened
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: green onions for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large saucepan, combine the rice and water or chicken broth. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
Cook according to package instructions until the rice is tender and fluffy. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.
Mix in the condensed cream of chicken soup, softened butter, salt, and pepper into the cooked rice. Stir well until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should be creamy and flavorful.
Evenly spread the mixed rice into a 9x13 inch baking dish or casserole dish.
Cover the rice layer with chicken pieces, ensuring each bite has some meat for flavor and texture balance.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. The melted cheese will add a gooey texture and cheesy goodness to every bite.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure no air gets in that could potentially dry out the food. Place it into your preheated oven.
Bake for about 40 minutes or until the casserole is heated through and golden on top. Check periodically by gently lifting the edges of the foil to peek inside; this will also help prevent over-browning.
Once done, let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired for an extra touch of freshness.

Tips and Variations

If you want to add more vegetables, consider including peas or corn kernels while the rice is still cooking. This will give additional nutrients along with a bit of color contrast.
For a heartier meal, add some cooked carrots or sliced bell peppers on top of your casserole before adding the cheese layer.
You can also experiment by using different types of milk such as whole milk for richer flavor or almond milk if you prefer dairy-free options.
Feel free to substitute chicken with other proteins like shredded turkey, diced ham, or even ground beef for a change in taste and texture.

Nutritional Information

For an approximate breakdown based on four servings:

Calories per serving: around 500
Protein per serving: about 40g
Fat content: roughly 30g
Carbohydrates per serving: approximately 60g

This chicken and rice casserole recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. With its simple yet satisfying ingredients, it caters to various dietary needs from vegetarians who can skip the chicken for a fully plant-based option to those seeking protein-rich meals.

Conclusion

Cooking a meal doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming; sometimes, it's all about simplicity and satisfaction. Our chicken and rice casserole is one such example where basic ingredients come together beautifully in a comforting dish that everyone loves. Whether you're looking for an easy weekday dinner or a weekend family feast, this recipe checks all the right boxes—tasty, filling, and versatile.