Description
Hearty Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole brings comfort from grandma’s kitchen to modern dining tables. Savory chicken, tender rice, and rich cream sauce blend perfectly, creating a soul-warming meal that connects generations through delicious simplicity.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
Grains and Liquid Base:
- 2 cups uncooked white rice
- 3 cups (710 milliliters) chicken broth
Flavor Enhancers and Toppings:
- 21 ounces (595 grams) cream of celery soup (2 cans, 10.5 ounces each)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish by lightly coating with non-stick cooking spray or softened butter to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together of chicken broth, 2 cans of cream of celery soup, and of melted butter until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
- Fold in of uncooked white rice and of cubed cooked chicken. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor profile, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Carefully transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to create a uniform layer. Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even cooking.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 70 minutes while covered. After this time, verify that the rice has reached a tender consistency and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Remove the foil and generously sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole. Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and create a golden, bubbling surface.
- Once baking is complete, allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes to set and cool slightly. Serve warm, accompanied by a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Meal prep champions can assemble this casserole entirely in advance, refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking.
- Swap white rice for brown rice, understanding cooking times might slightly increase for a nuttier whole grain experience.
- Frozen chicken works perfectly when thawed completely and diced into consistent bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Low-sodium broth helps control salt levels, letting home cooks customize seasoning according to personal taste preferences.
- Extra flavor boosters include sautéed onions, diced celery, or a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or parsley before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1300 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg