Indulge in the warmth and simplicity of home-cooked comfort food with our Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole recipe. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy sauce to create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a cozy dinner for two, this casserole is sure to please. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this comforting classic in your own kitchen.
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:
1. Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Chicken and Rice:
- In a large skillet, cook the cubed chicken over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of celery soup, melted butter, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- In the greased baking dish, layer the cooked rice, cooked chicken, and cream of celery soup mixture. Spread evenly to cover the entire surface of the dish.
5. Add Cheese and Bake:
- Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy goodness of this comforting casserole!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition. Peas, carrots, broccoli, or spinach would all be delicious options.
- Protein Substitutions: If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, turkey, or even cooked ham.
- Cream of Celery Soup Alternatives: Don’t have cream of celery soup on hand? No problem! Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup will work just as well in this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? A: Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice in this recipe. Keep in mind that brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Simply cover the dish with aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the foil and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Q: Is this casserole freezer-friendly? A: Yes, this casserole can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole as directed but do not bake it. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed. To freeze leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto:
- Cauliflower Rice Substitute: Replace the white rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Simply steam or sauté the cauliflower rice until tender and use it in place of the white rice in the recipe.
- Heavy Cream and Cheese: Use heavy cream instead of chicken broth and increase the amount of grated cheese to make the sauce richer and creamier without adding extra carbs.
Low-Carb:
- Reduced Butter: Use less butter or substitute it with olive oil to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
- Reduced Cheese: Use less grated cheese or opt for a low-fat variety to decrease the calorie and fat content of the casserole.
With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and simple preparation, our Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this casserole delivers on taste and convenience. Plus, with the option to customize ingredients to suit your dietary preferences, it’s a versatile recipe that can easily adapt to keto, low-carb, or vegetarian lifestyles. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to the comforting goodness of this classic casserole tonight!
