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Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole

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A comforting, one-dish weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken, fluffy white rice, and a rich creamy sauce baked with cheese. This easy recipe uses pantry staples for a satisfying meal that is kid-approved and perfect for busy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1.5 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream (or whole milk/half-and-half)
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheese (mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
  • 10 oz bag frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Dice chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes and place in a large mixing bowl. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. In the same bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and heavy cream until smooth.
  4. Add the uncooked rice, frozen vegetables, and seasoned chicken to the sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine, ensuring the rice is submerged in liquid. Add more broth if needed.
  5. Stir in half of the shredded cheese, reserving the other half for the topping.
  6. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven, peel back the foil, and sprinkle the remaining cheese (and breadcrumbs if using) over the top.
  9. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  10. Check that the rice is tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If rice is still hard, cover and bake for 5-10 more minutes.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.

Notes

Do not use instant rice or brown rice as they will not cook properly in this timeframe. For best melting results, grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties. Letting the casserole rest is crucial for the sauce to thicken. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken rice casserole, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, one pot meal, creamy chicken, family friendly, budget friendly, meal prep

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/creamy-chicken-rice-casserole-easy-weeknight-dinner/