Description
Creamy cheesy chicken and rice casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melted cheese into one irresistible dish. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this classic meal perfect for family dinners you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Creamy and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it thoroughly. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend cooked chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced onion, peas, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
- Carefully spread the mixed ingredients into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer that ensures consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment that helps retain moisture and cook the rice evenly during the 45-minute baking process.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the casserole’s surface, allowing for complete cheese coverage.
- Return the uncovered casserole to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, bubbly texture.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy comfort dish.
Notes
- Customize rice texture by using long-grain white rice for fluffier results or brown rice for added nutrition and heartier consistency.
- Swap chicken with rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken to reduce cooking time and add extra flavor depth.
- Create dairy-free version by substituting cream of chicken soup with dairy-free alternative and using plant-based cheese for melting on top.
- Boost vegetable content by adding chopped carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to increase nutritional value and provide more colorful presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg