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Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 7 reviews

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring tender chicken breasts baked with creamy condensed soup, chicken broth, and milk, combined with long grain white rice and layers of melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is both flavorful and easy to prepare. The onion soup mix adds a savory depth, while fresh parsley provides a bright garnish. It’s an ideal one-dish meal that delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 3 uncooked chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
  • 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) condensed cream of chicken soup (or homemade cream of chicken soup)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons onion soup mix (or 1 packet dry Lipton Onion Soup Mix)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh minced parsley, plus extra for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
  2. Prepare Baking Dish and Rice: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Spread the uncooked long grain white rice evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the rice.
  3. Arrange Chicken and Add Soup: Place the halved chicken breasts evenly on top of the rice and cheese layer. Spoon the condensed cream of chicken soup evenly over the chicken pieces, ensuring full coverage.
  4. Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour the chicken broth and milk evenly over the casserole. Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly on top to add savory flavor.
  5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender, and the chicken is done through.
  6. Stir and Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the foil, gently stir the casserole to combine the rice and sauce thoroughly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  7. Melt Cheese: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  8. Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow it to set. Garnish with fresh minced parsley, and sprinkle salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute the condensed cream of chicken soup with a homemade version for a fresher taste.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content if desired.
  • Optional vegetables such as peas or diced carrots can be added for extra nutrition.
  • Ensure the chicken breasts are fully cooked by checking that juices run clear.
  • This casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
  • For a gluten-free variation, ensure the onion soup mix and cream of chicken soup are certified gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy chicken casserole, chicken and rice bake, easy chicken dinner, creamy chicken rice casserole, baked chicken rice dish

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/cheesy-chicken-and-rice-casserole-recipe/