Chicken & Rice Casserole: Easy Weeknight Comfort Meal (Print Version)

Simple chicken and rice casserole for a fuss-free dinner. This comforting one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American

# Ingredients:

→ The Hearty Core

01 - 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice

→ Creamy Comfort Base

03 - 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
04 - 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
05 - 1/2 cup 2% milk

→ Aromatic Infusers

06 - 1 tbsp olive oil
07 - 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 tsp dried thyme
10 - 1 tsp paprika
11 - 1 tsp salt
12 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Golden Finish & Freshness

13 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
14 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Finely dice 1/2 medium yellow onion and mince 2 cloves garlic. This initial prep sets the stage for your "Forgotten Chicken and Rice: Easy Casserole Comfort."
02 - Heat the 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1/2 medium yellow onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the 2 cloves garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup, 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, and 1/2 cup 2% milk until smooth. Stir in 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
04 - Spread 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes, and the sautéed onion and garlic. Pour the creamy soup mixture over everything.
05 - Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. The "Forgotten Chicken and Rice: Easy Casserole Comfort" needs this initial covered bake to ensure the rice cooks thoroughly and the chicken becomes tender.
06 - Remove the foil from the baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rice is tender.
07 - Remove the "Forgotten Chicken and Rice: Easy Casserole Comfort" from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the liquids to set and the casserole to firm up slightly. Garnish with 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, before serving warm.

# Notes:

01 - For a richer flavor, consider using full-fat milk or half-and-half instead of 2% milk in the creamy base.
02 - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
03 - Feel free to add 1 cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 10 minutes of baking for extra vegetables and color.
04 - If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the paprika and thyme.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - 9x13 inch baking dish
02 - large skillet
03 - cutting board
04 - chef's knife
05 - measuring cups
06 - measuring spoons

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 510 kcal
Total Fat: 15 g
Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
Protein: 42 g

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