Busy Mom Chicken & Rice Casserole
Description: This delightful recipe hails from the very first cookbook my mother ever gifted me, and it has been a beloved staple in my kitchen since I was around ten years old. This casserole embodies simplicity and comfort, proving that a satisfying meal doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. While the original calls for celery soup, feel free to make a quick switch to onion soup, and if you’re in a pinch, you can replace the soup mix with onion salt without sacrificing flavor. This is one of those dishes that brings back nostalgic memories while delivering a hearty meal that the entire family will love.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Minute Rice | 2 cups |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Frying Chicken | 1 whole |
| Celery Soup | 1 can |
| Onion Soup | 1 can |
| Dry Soup Mix | ½ packet |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 378 |
| Total Fat | 17.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 65.9 mg |
| Sodium | 779.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g |
| Sugars | 1.4 g |
| Protein | 18.9 g |
Cooking Instructions
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Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a comfortable 325°F (approximately 163°C). This will ensure that your casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly, giving you a deliciously golden result.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. A little butter or non-stick spray will work wonders here.
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Layer the Rice: Sprinkle the uncooked Minute Rice evenly over the bottom of the greased baking dish. This will serve as the base for your casserole, soaking up all the wonderful flavors as it cooks.
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Heat the Soup Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the two cans of soup (the celery and onion varieties) along with the milk. Stir the mixture gently as it warms, being careful not to let it boil. You just want it heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Combine the Mixtures: Once heated, pour the creamy soup mixture over the rice, ensuring that all the rice is coated. Use a spatula or spoon to gently stir if necessary, allowing the rice to soak up the flavors.
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Arrange the Chicken: Lay the pieces of frying chicken on top of the rice mixture, skin side up. The skin will crisp up nicely while the chicken cooks, adding flavor and texture to your dish.
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Add Flavor: Sprinkle the dry soup mix evenly over the chicken pieces. This will infuse the dish with a rich flavor profile that melds beautifully with the other ingredients.
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Cover and Bake: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap in the moisture. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for a generous 2 hours and 15 minutes. This long, slow cooking time allows the chicken to become tender and the flavors to develop fully. You’ll know it’s ready when the juices run clear from the chicken when pierced with a fork.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or even a cozy family gathering, delivering comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
This Busy Mom Chicken & Rice Casserole recipe is perfect for beginner cooks and offers a wonderful way to create a nourishing meal with minimal effort. Enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen as you savor each mouthful of this classic dish that bridges generations with its comforting flavors.
