🍲 Ultimate Chicken Rice Casserole — Comfort Food at Its Best! 🍗
Looking for the perfect one-dish dinner that’s hearty, delicious, and incredibly easy to throw together? This comforting Chicken Rice Casserole is everything you love about home-cooked meals — tender chicken, fluffy rice, creamy sauce, and melted cheese all baked to bubbling perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a cozy night in, this casserole is sure to hit the spot.
🛒 Ingredients:
– 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (or use rotisserie chicken)
– 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
– 1 ½ cups chicken broth
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
– 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots (optional for added color and nutrition)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
– Optional topping: crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter and sauté chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add uncooked rice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, sautéed onion, shredded chicken, frozen peas and carrots (if using), and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove foil and sprinkle a layer of extra cheese (and cracker crumbs if desired) on top. Return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rice is tender.
8. Let your casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the flavors come together and makes serving easier.
🍽️ Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite!
💡 Pro Tip: Want to pack in extra veggies? Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli before baking for an extra-nutritious twist.
✨ Tag someone who needs this hearty casserole in their life, and don’t forget to save this recipe for your next busy weeknight!
