Hearty Chicken and Rice Casserole

Hearty Chicken and Rice Casserole – just hearing the name of this dish makes you think of cozy, comforting meals, doesn’t it? Well, let me tell you, it’s all that and so much more! This recipe is a favorite for busy weeknights and lazy Sundays alike, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why.

Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces nestled amidst fluffy, perfectly cooked rice, all enveloped in a creamy, savory sauce. This casserole is, in essence, comfort in a dish. It’s a meal that hugs you from the inside, leaving you satiated and content.

One of the best things about this casserole is its versatility. You can use whatever chicken parts you have on hand – thighs, breasts, even leftover rotisserie chicken. The rice absorbs the flavors of the chicken and the sauce, becoming a deliciously rich and satisfying dish in its own right.

But there’s more to this dish than just its scrumptious flavor. This Hearty Chicken and Rice Casserole is rich in protein from the chicken, has a good dose of complex carbohydrates from the rice, and can be made even healthier by adding a medley of your favorite veggies.

Whether it’s a cold winter’s night or a rainy summer’s day, this Hearty Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect dish to warm you up. It’s the kind of meal that brings the family together, that makes the house smell like home.

And the best part? It’s as easy as pie to make! All you need to do is mix the ingredients together, pop it in the oven, and wait for the magic to happen.

So, what are you waiting for? This Hearty Chicken and Rice Casserole is waiting to be made in your kitchen. It’s a dish that promises comfort, satisfaction, and a whole lot of yumminess. Don’t just take my word for it, go ahead and make it yourself. You won’t be disappointed!

Hearty Chicken and Rice Casserole

Course: MainCuisine: American

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

520

kcal

Total time

80

minutes

A warming, hearty casserole perfect for cozy family dinners. Bursting with flavor from tender chicken, creamy rice, and melted cheese.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced

• 1 cup uncooked rice

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1.5 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.
• In a large bowl, combine the chicken, rice, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Stir in the sautéed onions and garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Pour the mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
• Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheese over the top, and return to the oven for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• This dish can be made ahead of time and frozen. Just thaw it out and heat it up when ready to serve.

This Hearty Chicken and Rice Casserole pairs well with a simple green salad and a loaf of crusty bread. If you want to keep the comfort food theme going, consider serving it alongside some sautéed green beans or roasted vegetables. For a lighter pairing, a crisp white wine or a light beer would go wonderfully.