Description
A comforting and cheesy casserole featuring tender chicken breasts, creamy soups, tender white rice, and melted cheddar cheese baked to perfection. This one-pan dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Casserole Mixture
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let cool slightly.
- Dice the Chicken: Once chicken has cooled, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Casserole Mixture: In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, and 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until combined. Add uncooked rice and stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the diced chicken evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour the rice mixture over the chicken spreading evenly. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake covered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and rice is tender.
- Serve: Allow casserole to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use long-grain white rice for best results; instant rice is not recommended.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- The casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; add extra baking time if baking cold.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
