Description
This comforting Chicken and Rice Casserole combines tender chicken breasts baked atop a creamy, cheesy rice mixture infused with savory onion soup mix. A simple, hearty dish perfect for family dinners, it features a rich blend of cream soup, milk, and shredded cheddar for a luscious texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ cups long grain white rice
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup (or homemade equivalent)
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 batch homemade onion soup mix or 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 3 thick boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rice, cream of chicken or mushroom soup, water, milk, and onion soup mix. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the prepared rice and soup mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your taste preference.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces directly on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- First Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to cook the chicken gently and allow the rice to absorb the liquids.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken and rice.
- Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top, and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and temperatures to settle.
Notes
- Use either boneless chicken breasts or thighs based on your texture and flavor preference.
- Homemade onion soup mix can be substituted with a store-bought envelope for convenience.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the cheese melt smoothly and the dish set for easier serving.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or mushrooms to the rice mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
