Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
This comforting chicken and rice casserole combines tender cubed chicken breasts with instant white rice and a creamy blend of three classic canned soups—cream of chicken, cream of celery, and cream of mushroom. The mixture is seasoned with salt and pepper, topped with pats of butter, and baked until bubbling and golden. Perfect for a quick, hearty meal that yields six generous servings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice Base
- 3 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups instant white rice
Soup Mixture
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of celery soup
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
Seasoning and Topping
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup butter, sliced into pats
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts, water, instant white rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir thoroughly to ensure an even mixture. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Distribute the sliced pats of butter evenly on top of the mixture to add richness and flavor as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through, rice is tender, and the topping is golden and bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set, making it easier to portion and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute the instant white rice with regular long-grain white rice; however, increase the water and baking time accordingly.
- Adjust salt and pepper based on your dietary preferences, as the canned soups already contain sodium.
- Adding some chopped vegetables like peas or carrots can enhance both nutrition and flavor.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat soups and butter substitutes.
- Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
