This recipe is a warm, comforting combination of delicate chicken, fluffy rice, creamy soup, and spicy spices baked into a casserole. Breadcrumbs or cheese toppings provide a delicate crunch that wonderfully balances its rich, creamy richness. This traditional Chicken And Rice Casserole, which gets its name from its primary ingredients, combines straightforward flavors into a single dish.
Chicken And Rice Casserole
Description
This recipe is a warm, comforting combination of delicate chicken, fluffy rice, creamy soup, and spicy spices baked into a casserole. Breadcrumbs or cheese toppings provide a delicate crunch that wonderfully balances its rich, creamy richness. This traditional casserole, which gets its name from its primary ingredients, combines straightforward flavors into a single dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- For a warm, uniform bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish lightly to prepare the casserole dish. This keeps things from adhering.
- To ensure consistent cooking and convenient serving, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix together the rice, soups, chicken broth, milk, onion and garlic powders, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Make sure to coat every piece of chicken as you add it to the mixture.
- Evenly distribute the ingredients after pouring it into the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, allowing it to melt and form a creamy coating.
- For a golden, crispy top, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake, covered with foil, for half an hour. After that, take off the foil and continue baking for another twenty minutes.
- Before serving, allow the dish to cool for five minutes to solidify.
Notes
- 👌 To add even more flavor, marinate the chicken.
Before starting, marinade the chicken in a mixture of garlic powder, olive oil, and a small amount of soy sauce. This gives the chicken more taste and depth, enhancing each piece. - 👌 To add a nutty flavor, toast the rice.
In a dry skillet, lightly toast the rice until it is lightly golden brown. This brings out the flavor of the rice, giving it a somewhat nutty undertone that cuts through the creamy sauce.
Chicken And Rice Casserole Variations
- Cheesy with Broccoli
For a colorful and nourishing addition, incorporate 1 cup of steamed broccoli florets into the dish. The meal gains depth from the combination of the creamy chicken and the crisp flavor of the broccoli. - Recipe with Chicken and Spinach and Mushrooms
Before adding them to the casserole mixture, sauté a handful of fresh spinach and a cup of sliced mushrooms. The spinach lends a touch of color and freshness, and the mushrooms give a rich, earthy flavor. - Rice and Curry
For a warm, exotic taste variation, add a pinch of turmeric and a tablespoon of curry powder. The curry spices provide richness and a hint of fire to the creamy sauce, blending it well. Add some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime as a garnish for an additional taste boost.
What to Pair with This recipe
- They give the dish a touch of brightness when they are lightly sautéed in butter laced with garlic.
Garlic butter green beans add a fresh, savory crunch that complements the creamy casserole. Lightly sautéed in garlic-infused butter, they bring a hint of brightness to the meal. - Traditional Caesar Salad. A traditional Caesar salad offers a crisp, refreshing contrast to the casserole’s comforting, rich flavors. Parmesan cheese, crisp romaine, and creamy dressing all enhance the dish without taking center stage.
How To Store This Recipe?
- In The Fridge. Keep leftover casserole in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. To preserve freshness, make sure the casserole cools fully before packaging.
- In The Freezer. Cover the cooled casserole with foil and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to freeze. Keep for up to three months in the freezer. Put the date on the label to make sure it is utilized before the quality deteriorates.
- To Reheat. Put the chilled casserole back in the oven at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is bubbling hot. Thaw the frozen casserole overnight, then bake it uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes at 350°F, extending the baking time if necessary.
Recipe Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250-300 calories per serving
Total Fat: 12g (from butter and milk)
Saturated Fat: 7g (mainly from butter)
Carbohydrates: 30-35g (primarily from potatoes)
Fiber: 3-4g (from potato skins, if included)
Protein: 4-5g (from potatoes and milk)
Vitamin C: 15-20mg (from potatoes)
Potassium: 600-700mg (mainly from potatoes)
Calcium: 100-120mg (from milk)
Vitamin B6: 0.2-0.3mg (from potatoes)
Iron: 1-1.5mg (from potatoes)