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Chicken and Rice Casserole Bake

Chicken and Rice Casserole Bake
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Chicken and Rice Casserole Bake is a warm, comforting one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy flavors all baked together. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, it uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a satisfying, hearty, and family-friendly dish that is easy to prep, make ahead, and enjoy as leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 to 1.5 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, diced

Grains & Broth

  • 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth

Soup & Dairy

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)

Aromatics & Vegetables

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop the onion, and mince the garlic to prepare fresh aromatics.
  2. Combine Ingredients in a Baking Dish: In a large casserole dish, mix the uncooked rice with chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, chopped onions, minced garlic, frozen vegetables, salt, pepper, and paprika. Distribute the chopped chicken evenly throughout to ensure consistent flavor.
  3. Add Cheese and Cover: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the mixture. Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil to keep moisture inside and help the rice cook evenly.
  4. Bake Until Tender and Juicy: Bake the covered casserole for 45-50 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes to melt the cheese and allow a lightly browned golden crust to form.
  5. Let It Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and firms up the dish for easier serving.

Notes

  • Use uncooked rice for perfect absorption and flavor integration during baking.
  • Choose a baking dish size appropriate to the ingredients to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
  • Keep the casserole covered with foil until the last 10 minutes of baking for moist, tender results.
  • Allow the casserole to rest after baking to improve texture and serving consistency.
  • Sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses both work well for a melty and flavorful topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, rice bake, comfort food, easy dinner, one dish meal, creamy chicken casserole, family dinner

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/chicken-and-rice-casserole-bake/