Description
This Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and delicious one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy mushroom and chicken soups baked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners, it combines simple pantry staples to create a hearty and flavorful casserole that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cream Soups and Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Rice and Chicken: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice and the shredded or diced cooked chicken into the soup mixture until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Carefully remove the foil, evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, and return it to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a milder taste.
- For a creamier texture, use whole milk instead of low-fat milk.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated covered in the oven or microwave.
- Add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition and color.
- Ensure the foil is tightly sealed to trap steam for perfectly cooked rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
