Ah, the trusty casserole—a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This chicken rice casserole is one of those recipes that sneaks its way into your heart and your weekly meal rotation. I first whipped it up on a lazy Sunday, and now it’s a family favorite, even the picky eaters can’t resist its cheesy, savory allure.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and grease the sides and bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Gather all the necessary ingredients to start preparing the casserole.
- In the greased casserole dish, mix together the cubed chicken breasts, water, instant white rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and cream of mushroom soup. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Evenly distribute slices of butter over the top of the chicken and rice mixture in the casserole dish. This will help create a rich and creamy texture as it bakes.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour to 75 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Check for doneness periodically to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
- Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This resting time will help the flavors meld together, making it even more delicious. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups instant white rice
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can of cream of celery soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can of cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup butter, sliced into pats
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2466 | Total Fat: 144g | Saturated Fat: 72g | Cholesterol: 600mg | Sodium: 4860mg | Total Carbohydrate: 144g | Dietary Fiber: 6g | Total Sugars: 12g | Protein: 144g | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 564mg | Iron: 12mg | Potassium: 2016mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of chicken instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. This will save you time on cooking and cubing the chicken.
- Is it possible to add vegetables to the casserole?
- Absolutely! Many people enjoy adding fresh or frozen broccoli florets for extra flavor and color. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables as well.
- How should I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, add a few drops of water to keep the rice moist and ensure it reaches at least 165 degrees F to avoid foodborne illness.
- Can this casserole be frozen for later use?
- Yes, the casserole freezes well. Prepare it in an aluminum pan, let it cool completely, then cover it with storage wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Is there a way to make the casserole creamier?
- For a creamier texture, you can add shredded Cheddar cheese to the casserole. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider using Pepper Jack cheese instead.
Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: To save time, consider substituting cubed chicken breasts with shredded rotisserie chicken. This will reduce preparation time and still provide great flavor.
- Enhance with Vegetables: Add fresh or frozen broccoli florets to the casserole for extra color, nutrition, and flavor. This addition complements the creamy texture of the casserole.
- Add Cheese for Extra Creaminess: Incorporate shredded Cheddar or Pepper Jack cheese to enhance the dish’s creamy texture and add a bit of tang or heat, depending on your preference.
- Properly Reheat Leftovers: When reheating leftovers, add a few drops of water to prevent the rice from drying out. Ensure the casserole is heated thoroughly, reaching at least 165 degrees F, to avoid any potential foodborne illness.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Casserole Dish – If you don’t have a large casserole dish, you might need to purchase this to properly cook the casserole.
- Food Thermometer – Useful for ensuring the dish reaches the proper temperature, especially when reheating to avoid foodborne bacteria.
- Aluminum Pan – Needed if you plan to freeze the casserole, as suggested in the recipe for ease of storage and reheating.
