Are you in search of a hearty and comforting dish that the whole family will love? Look no further than our Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole! This delicious one-pan meal is packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this casserole is easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients. So, let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this comforting dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 cups uncooked white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans cream of celery soup (10.5 ounces each)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Rice Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of celery soup, melted butter, and cooked chicken cubes. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the foil from the baking dish and sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Again: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.
- Creamy Sauce Variation: Instead of cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile.
- Protein Options: If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or ham for a different twist on this casserole.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? A: Yes, you can use brown rice in this recipe, but keep in mind that brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time and more liquid.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, until ready to bake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly if baking from cold.
Keto Version:
For a keto-friendly version of this casserole, you can substitute cauliflower rice for the white rice and use heavy cream instead of cream of celery soup. Additionally, omit the butter and use olive oil instead.
Low-Carb Version:
To make a low-carb version, you can use cauliflower rice instead of white rice and opt for a low-carb cream soup alternative, such as a homemade cream sauce made with almond flour and chicken broth.
In conclusion, our Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck or gathering, this recipe fits the bill. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try for a satisfying and comforting meal that everyone will love!
