Chicken and Rice Casserole Bake
Description
Delve into the comforting world of home-cooked meals with this delectable Chicken and Rice Casserole Bake, perfect for sharing with family and friends. This dish is a delightful amalgamation of tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection. A crowd-pleaser that will surely become a staple at your dinner table, this recipe is simple enough for a weeknight meal yet satisfying enough for a special gathering. So gather your ingredients and enjoy the warmth of this wholesome dish from lovewithrecipes.com.
Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Recipe Category | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 45 minutes | Poultry | 6 servings |
Keywords
Rice, Meat, Oven, Less than 60 Minutes
Ingredients
Here is the complete list of ingredients required for this mouthwatering Chicken and Rice Casserole Bake:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Minced garlic cloves | 2 – 4 cloves |
| Evaporated milk | 1 2/3 cups |
| Half-and-half cream | 1/4 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 1/2 cups |
| Seasoning salt | To taste |
| Chicken broth | 3 cups |
| Cooked long-grain rice | 2 1/2 cups |
| Mushrooms | 1 1/2 cups |
| Green bell pepper | 1, diced |
| Pimiento | 1/3 cup, diced |
| Parmesan cheese (for topping) | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information
For each serving, enjoy the following nutritional benefits:
| Nutrient | Content |
|---|---|
| Calories | 426.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 88.1 mg |
| Sodium | 612.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 36.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g |
| Sugars | 0.7 g |
| Protein | 26.8 g |
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create your Chicken and Rice Casserole Bake:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole bakes evenly and becomes bubbly and golden.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 2-quart baking dish generously with butter or cooking spray. If you prefer, you can use a larger dish to accommodate extra servings, but be sure to adjust your cooking time as needed.
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Make the Creamy Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, whisk in 1/4 cup of flour to create a roux. Stir this mixture continuously for about 1 minute until it turns a light golden color, which indicates that the flour is cooked.
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Add Garlic and Liquid Ingredients: Introduce the minced garlic to the roux and stir for another minute, allowing the garlic to infuse its flavor. Gradually whisk in the 1 2/3 cups of evaporated milk (or half-and-half cream, if preferred) and the 3 cups of chicken broth. Continue to whisk the mixture until it is smooth and begins to thicken, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
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Combine the Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, giving it a rich and savory flavor.
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Mix in the Remaining Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked long-grain rice, shredded chicken, diced mushrooms, diced green bell pepper, and pimiento. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture, and gently stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
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Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully transfer the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking. If desired, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor and a lovely golden crust.
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Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbly and heated through. The top should have a light golden color, adding a delightful texture to the dish.
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Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this Chicken and Rice Casserole Bake with your family and friends.
Tips for Success
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas, carrots, or corn for added nutrition and flavor.
- Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary can elevate the dish further. Simply chop and sprinkle them in before baking.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance. Assemble it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from the fridge.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Rice Casserole Bake is not only a delicious meal option but also a wonderful way to bring people together around the dinner table. Its creamy texture, combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice, makes it a favorite for any occasion. Be sure to share your creation on lovewithrecipes.com and delight your friends and family with this comforting dish. Enjoy every bite!
