Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
A comforting classic that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy cheese sauce.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Skillet
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken Shredded or diced, can use leftover roasted chicken.
- 1 cup White Rice Uncooked, long-grain rice is ideal.
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese Shredded sharp cheddar for topping.
- 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup Serves as the base of the sauce.
- 1 medium Onion Chopped finely.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
- 1 cup Chicken Broth Low-sodium preferred.
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Salt To taste.
- 0.5 teaspoon Pepper To taste.
Toppings
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs Preferably seasoned.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Butter For sautéing onions and garlic.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, sautéed onions, minced garlic, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Stir until well incorporated.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Consider adding vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrition. You can also use different cheeses for variety.