Description
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the kind of cozy comfort food that brings together tender chicken, creamy rice, cheddar cheese, and a rich savory sauce in one hearty baked dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, and make ahead comfort food cravings, this easy chicken casserole recipe is warm, filling, and packed with homestyle flavor.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until lightly golden and cooked through.
4. Transfer the chicken to a plate, let it rest, then cut it into bite sized pieces.
5. In the same skillet, melt the butter and cook the chopped onion until softened.
6. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth until smooth.
8. Stir in the uncooked rice, cooked onion and garlic, chopped chicken, frozen peas, and 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese.
9. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
10. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
11. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
12. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for 10 more minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
13. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For the best texture, make sure the baking dish is tightly covered during the first bake so the rice cooks evenly and stays tender.
You can swap the peas for chopped broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms if you want to change the flavor without changing the comfort food feel.
Letting the casserole rest before serving helps the creamy sauce thicken slightly and makes each portion easier to scoop.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 468
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 812mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 108mg