Name: Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe: Homestyle Comfort Food Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed; 1 small onion, diced; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon paprika

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If there’s one comfort food that brings everyone rushing to the dinner table, it’s a bubbling, golden-baked chicken and rice casserole. This is pure, homestyle goodness that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and promises a meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want plenty of leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch, the https://amindfullmom version of chicken and rice casserole is my go-to favorite. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a creamy, flavorful sauce all in one dish, you’ll understand after just one bite why I always recommend this recipe to friends!

Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe: Homestyle Comfort Food Delight - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients: the beauty of the https://amindfullmom chicken and rice casserole is that it uses kitchen staples, each one essential. Every component brings something special, from the juicy chicken to the aromatic vegetables and the irresistibly creamy base. Here’s what you’ll need, and why it matters:

Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless skinless chicken keeps things simple and ensures tender bites throughout—use thighs for more flavor or breasts for a leaner dish.
Long grain white rice: This variety cooks up fluffy and absorbs flavors beautifully; don’t substitute instant rice, as it can become mushy.
Chicken broth: Opt for low-sodium to control the saltiness; homemade or store-bought both work for rich, savory flavor.
Cream of chicken soup: Adds creaminess and depth without fuss, making that classic casserole texture so comforting.
Carrots and celery: These veggies create a backbone of sweet and aromatic notes, bringing color and classic flavor.
Yellow onion: An everyday hero—sautéed onion becomes sweet and mellow, infusing each bite.
Garlic powder and dried thyme: Simple seasonings that amp up flavor; thyme gives a subtle earthiness while garlic ties everything together.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, add to taste and don’t be shy—good seasoning goes a long way!
Frozen peas: Stirred in at the end, peas give welcoming pops of color and freshness with zero prep.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): If you like your casserole a little indulgent and extra golden on top, sprinkle some cheese for a melt factor.

How to Make https://amindfullmom

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

First up, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab a large casserole dish—about 9×13 inches works best. Lightly grease it with a bit of butter or cooking spray to make serving and cleanup a breeze. This simple step is key for easy scooping later and ensures nothing sticks.

Step 2: Mix the Rice and Veggies

Combine your uncooked long grain white rice, diced carrots, celery, and onion right in the casserole dish. The https://amindfullmom way keeps things simple with no sautéing required. Give it a gentle toss so the veggies and rice distribute evenly, which helps everything cook through together.

Step 3: Whisk the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together your cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisking these ingredients first guarantees a smooth, even sauce—no lumps allowed! Pour this luscious mixture over the rice and vegetables in your baking dish, stirring gently to coat everything well.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

Nestle your chicken pieces directly over the rice and veggie mixture. If using breasts, consider slicing them lengthwise so they cook evenly; if thighs, just season and tuck them in. Sprinkle the chicken with a bit more salt and pepper, according to https://amindfullmom’s signature tips for bold flavor throughout.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake for about 50-55 minutes. This gentle cooking lets the rice soak up all that flavorful broth and leaves the chicken juicy. After 50 minutes, check for doneness—if the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F), you’re golden! Uncover, add a sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese if using, then return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes for a bubbly, slightly crisped top.

Step 6: Add Peas and Finish

Once out of the oven, scatter frozen peas right over the casserole and cover for 5 minutes. The residual heat warms the peas to perfection, preserving their pop and color. Gently fluff everything with a fork before serving, letting the shine of https://amindfullmom’s method show through in every scoop.

How to Serve https://amindfullmom

Garnishes

Brighten up each plate with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme—simple, vibrant, and absolutely irresistible! A light dusting of extra cheese or a few twists of fresh black pepper can also make the final presentation worthy of company, even on a Tuesday night. Serving with a fresh lemon wedge on the side lets everyone customize the flavor at the table.

Side Dishes

This https://amindfullmom casserole is wonderfully hearty on its own, but it plays well with others. Pair it up with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette, some roasted veggies, or a basket of flaky dinner rolls to round out the meal. For a lighter dinner, a side of steamed broccoli or green beans adds both color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Channel your inner chef by serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner party twist—everyone will love getting their own bubbling portion. For family potlucks, pack it up in a colorful baking dish for easy transport. The https://amindfullmom spirit always encourages creativity, so top each serving with a fried egg for brunch, or stuff leftovers into bell peppers and bake for a fun lunch spin.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the casserole cool to room temperature first, then cover tightly or transfer to airtight containers before refrigerating. Leftovers will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, and often taste even better as the flavors meld together—classic https://amindfullmom comfort that’s always ready for a quick lunch or dinner!

Freezing

Make life easier by assembling the unbaked casserole, wrapping it in plastic wrap and foil, and freezing for up to 2 months. You can also freeze baked leftovers in individual portions. To use, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture, then bake as directed, adding a splash of broth if it looks dry.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered, until hot throughout (about 20-25 minutes). You can also warm individual servings in the microwave, but add a spoonful of water or broth to keep the rice from drying out. The https://amindfullmom casserole is delightfully forgiving—just don’t skip the cover to keep it moist!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to bake, and you’ll need to increase both the broth and baking time. For best results, check the rice after an hour and adjust as needed so everything comes out tender and perfectly cooked.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy free?

Yes! Swap the cream of chicken soup for a dairy-free version or use a combination of dairy-free milk plus chicken bouillon for creaminess. You can also skip the cheese topping or use your favorite plant-based cheese substitute—this works beautifully for lactose-intolerant friends or family.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! The https://amindfullmom approach is flexible and totally customizable. Try stirring in mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for new flavor twists. Just be sure to chop added veggies small to ensure they cook through evenly with the rice.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The true sign of doneness is an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken. Also, make sure your rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. If you notice extra liquid after baking, simply return the casserole to the oven for a few more minutes uncovered.

Can I prepare https://amindfullmom chicken and rice casserole in advance?

Yes—assemble all the ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze it for longer storage. When you’re ready to cook, just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if coming straight from the fridge to ensure everything is heated through.

Final Thoughts

There’s something simply comforting and totally satisfying about digging your fork into a steamy, creamy serving of https://amindfullmom chicken and rice casserole. Whether you’re new to homestyle cooking or a seasoned casserole lover, this dish delivers every time. Give it a try, and you might just find your next family tradition!