Chicken and rice casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish often baked in one pan with ingredients like rice, chicken, cream of soup, cheese, and sometimes vegetables. A typical preparation involves mixing rice with cream of chicken or mushroom soup, milk, water, and seasoning, then placing chicken breasts or thighs on top, baking until the rice is tender and the chicken cooked through, and adding cheese as a finishing touch. Here is a simple classic recipe summary: Ingredients:
- Long grain white rice
- Cream of chicken or mushroom soup
- Milk and water
- Onion soup seasoning or other spices
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish.
- Mix rice, soups, milk, water, and seasoning in a bowl, and pour into prepared dish.
- Nestle chicken pieces into the mixture.
- Cover with foil and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until rice is tender and chicken cooked.
- Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake until cheese is melted.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Variations can include adding frozen or fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli, using different cheeses, and adding extra herbs or spices for flavor. The dish is popular for its creamy texture and cheesy finish, making it a beloved comfort food choice.
