Discover how to make a comforting and hearty Chicken Rice Casserole with this easy recipe. Packed with tender chicken, rice, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, this casserole is a complete meal that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients for Chicken Rice Casserole:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots blend
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Chicken Rice Casserole:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Saute Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, sauteed vegetables, uncooked rice, frozen peas and carrots blend, condensed cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Rice Casserole!
About the Main Ingredients:
- Chicken: Provides lean protein and hearty flavor to the casserole.
- Rice: Absorbs the flavors of the creamy sauce and vegetables while cooking.
- Vegetables (Peas, Carrots, Onion, Celery): Add color, texture, and nutrients to the dish.
- Cream of Chicken Soup, Cheese, Sour Cream: Create a creamy and comforting sauce base for the casserole.
- Spices (Garlic Powder, Thyme): Enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
This Chicken Rice Casserole is a satisfying one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
