Description
Hearty cheesy chicken and rice casserole brings comfort from grandma’s kitchen to modern dinner tables. Creamy layers of tender chicken, melted cheese, and fluffy rice promise a satisfying meal that will warm souls and delight diners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 12 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
Seasoning and Topping Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Create a creamy sauce base by whisking together cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until completely smooth and well-integrated.
- Fold the pre-cooked chicken and rice into the sauce mixture, ensuring every morsel is evenly coated with the seasoned cream sauce.
- Gently incorporate one cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken and rice blend, stirring carefully to distribute the cheese throughout.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Generously sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty surface.
- Optional: Enhance the texture by sprinkling breadcrumbs across the cheese layer for a delightful crispy crust.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges bubble and the top turns a rich, golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Swap cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher, preservative-free version that enhances flavor and reduces processed ingredients.
- Boost nutritional value by adding mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli directly into the casserole mixture for extra color and nutrients.
- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to increase fiber and create a more wholesome, gluten-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
- Make this dish lighter by substituting half the cheese with low-fat options and using Greek yogurt instead of milk to reduce calories while keeping the creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg