Description
Hearty cheesy chicken and rice casserole blends comfort with classic flavors for a satisfying family meal. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and fluffy rice meld together, promising warmth and deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Starches and Grains:
- 2 cups cooked rice
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
Vegetables:
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend tender pulled chicken with fluffy prepared rice, incorporating creamy condensed chicken soup and smooth milk.
- Season the mixture with aromatic garlic and onion powders, complemented by a delicate balance of salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Gently fold vibrant frozen vegetable medley into the chicken and rice combination, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Carefully transfer the entire preparation into a generously greased rectangular baking vessel, smoothing the surface for uniform distribution.
- Lavishly blanket the top with a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbling cheese surface and heated-through interior.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Customize the protein by using rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even canned tuna for a quick swap that keeps the dish versatile and exciting.
- Add extra crunch and nutrition by topping with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking for a delightful texture contrast.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
- Boost vegetable content by incorporating additional frozen or fresh vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to increase nutritional value and flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg