Description
A comforting, one-dish chicken and rice casserole that is perfect for busy weeknights. It uses simple pantry ingredients, requires minimal prep, and yields a creamy, cheesy meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella mix)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine diced chicken, uncooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly. Add frozen peas and carrots on top or mix in.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven, carefully peel off the foil, and sprinkle shredded cheese and panko breadcrumbs (if using) over the top.
- Return to oven uncovered and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden, and rice is tender.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken.
Notes
Do not skip the foil during the first 30 minutes of baking; it traps the steam necessary to cook the rice. If using rotisserie chicken, reduce baking time to 25 minutes covered and 10 minutes uncovered. For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: chicken and rice casserole, easy weeknight dinner, one pot meal, comfort food, family friendly, budget friendly, freezer friendly