Description
This Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender, seasoned chicken thighs are baked atop creamy, flavorful rice cooked in mushroom soup and chicken broth, resulting in a hearty, savory dish with minimal prep and cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4–5 boneless chicken thighs
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Season Chicken: Season the boneless chicken thighs evenly with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Rice Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the uncooked long-grain white rice, cream of mushroom soup, and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir well until the mixture is evenly blended.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the rice and soup mixture over the chicken thighs in the baking dish, ensuring the rice is fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the rice to cook thoroughly and the chicken to steam and remain tender.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes outside the oven to allow it to set slightly before serving. This helps in easier portioning and better flavors.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier results.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free or substitute with gluten-free cream soup.
- You can add vegetables like peas or carrots to the rice mixture for extra nutrition.
- Ensure long-grain white rice is used, as other rice types may affect cooking time and texture.
- Check chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked through safely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
