Quick and Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe ๐๐
Overview:
This delightful Quick and Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you need a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a versatile dish that allows for creativity with soup flavors, making it customizable to your taste preferences. With minimal prep and cook time, this recipe is perfect for anyone craving a hearty yet hassle-free dinner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 3 chicken breasts
- 3 cups cream of chicken soup
- 3/4 cup cream of celery soup
- 2 tablespoons dry onion soup mix
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to preheat while you prepare the casserole.
-
-
Prepare Casserole Dish: Grease a medium-size casserole dish lightly to prevent sticking during baking.
-
Mix Soup Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken and cream of celery soups. If desired, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick of heat. Mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
-
Add Rice: Incorporate the uncooked long-grain rice into the soup mixture. Stir until the rice is fully coated and well combined with the creamy soup base.
-
Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the soup and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom.
-
Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on top of the soup and rice mixture in the casserole dish. You can also use chicken pieces if preferred.
-
Season: Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts to add savory flavor and a hint of crunch.
-
Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to seal in moisture. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through, and the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
-
Rest Before Serving: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to stand for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes for easier slicing and serving.
-
Serve and Enjoy: After resting, slice the chicken as desired and serve the delicious chicken and rice casserole hot. Pair it with your favorite side dishes or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family!
Tips for Success:
- Experiment with different soup flavors such as cream of mushroom or cream of broccoli to customize the dish according to your preferences.
- For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in the red wine for a few hours before preparing the casserole.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste buds.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 736
- Fat Content: 32.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 9.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 166.8mg
- Sodium Content: 2240mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 49.9g
- Fiber Content: 1.7g
- Sugar Content: 2.7g
- Protein Content: 54.7g
Conclusion:
With its simple preparation, flavorful ingredients, and satisfying results, this Quick and Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting a casual gathering with friends and family, this versatile dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s both comforting and convenient!
