Description
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy blend of cheese and vegetables. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines simple ingredients baked together to create a hearty and flavorful dish with a golden cheesy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked long-grain white rice with chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Incorporate the shredded or cubed cooked chicken, thawed peas and carrots, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into the mixture. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared greased baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula or spoon.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. This allows the rice to cook fully and absorb the liquids, and for the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese Topping: After baking, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese has melted, turned bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Then, serve warm and enjoy your cheesy, comforting chicken and rice casserole.
Notes
- Use day-old or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- The frozen peas and carrots can be substituted with other vegetables like corn or mixed veggies.
- Adjust seasoning as per taste; add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Covering with foil is important to ensure rice cooks evenly and moisture is retained.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- For a creamier texture, you may add a little more milk or cheese.
