Description
Comfort clasps your taste buds in this mouthwatering chicken and rice casserole, blending hearty ingredients into a soul-warming meal. Cheesy, tender layers promise a delightful dinner that pulls families close and satisfies hunger with genuine home-style goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2–3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
Starches and Grains:
- 2 cups minute rice (uncooked)
Sauces and Seasonings:
- 1 package lipton onion soup mix
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups milk
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heating.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend cooked chicken, onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, water, minute rice, salt, and pepper until ingredients are completely integrated.
- Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray, creating a non-stick surface for easy serving.
- Transfer the creamy mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a smooth, consistent layer.
- Carefully seal the dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight barrier to trap moisture and prevent excessive browning.
- Slide the covered casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and rice to absorb liquid.
- Uncover the casserole, exposing the surface to direct heat, and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top develops a golden-brown crust.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing it to set and cool slightly before serving.
- Dish out the warm, creamy casserole and enjoy the comforting blend of chicken and rice.
Notes
- Swap out cream soups for homemade versions to reduce sodium and control ingredients for a healthier twist.
- Consider using brown rice or quinoa for added nutritional value and a slightly nuttier flavor profile.
- Customize the casserole by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach to boost nutrition and create more texture.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free cream soups and ensure onion soup mix is certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 415 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg