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–+ servings
Best Chicken and Rice Casserole

Best Chicken and Rice Casserole for Cozy Family Dinners

The Best Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, make-ahead dish perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 4 cups Cooked Chicken Use leftover or rotisserie chicken
  • 2 cups Long-grain white rice Can use brown rice but requires more liquid
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth Opt for gluten-free if needed
  • 1 cup Carrots Chopped; substitute with peas or bell peppers if desired
  • 1 cup Green Peas Fresh or frozen
  • 1 medium Onion Diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 2 cups Cheese (Cheddar) Substitute with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for variation
  • 2 tablespoons Butter For greasing; non-stick spray is an alternative
  • 1 cup Cream Optional; mix in sour cream or cream cheese

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish
  • large skillet
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, long-grain rice, sautéed onions and garlic, chicken broth, carrots, green peas, and half of the cheese. Mix gently.
  4. Pour the mixture into the baking dish, spread it evenly, and smooth the top. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.
  5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  6. Remove foil and broil for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Optional: garnish with fresh parsley or chives.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to adapt ingredients and use different vegetables. For best results, pre-cook chicken thoroughly, especially if using fresh meat.

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