Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Rice Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
18 mins
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Total Time
33 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
676 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Rice Casserole
Description
Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Rice Casserole features small cubes of chicken breast seasoned and sautéed with onions alongside fresh broccoli, spinach, and corn. These are combined with cooked white rice and enveloped in a rich sauce made by cooking butter, flour, half and half, sour cream, and sharp cheddar mixed with Parmesan cheese. The casserole is finished with a topping of cheddar cheese blended with breadcrumbs and butter for a crispy crust after baking. The dish cooks uncovered at 350°F, warming until bubbling and lightly browned on top.
The blend of the creamy sauce with the tender chicken and vegetables creates a pleasing texture contrast with the crunchy breadcrumb topping. The use of fresh broccoli and spinach adds color and nutrients, while the Ms. Dash seasoning and garlic salt lend subtle savory notes to balance the cheese richness.
This casserole is ideal served as a filling main dish on its own or alongside a simple green salad for a well-rounded dinner. It reheats well for leftovers, maintaining the creamy texture of the sauce and the softness of the chicken and veggies.
Ingredients
Chicken & Vegetable:
- 2 -3 teaspoon olive oil
- 3 chicken breast diced into small pieces
- 2 teaspoon Ms. Dash seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 2 cups broccoli chopped, fresh
- 1/2 cup corn frozen
- 1 cup spinach chopped
- 2 1/2 cups white rice cooked
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs or panko crumbs
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 8 inch square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray; set aside. If you don't have cooked rice, start your rice now.
- Using a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, Ms Dash seasoning, garlic salt and sauté until done, about 10 minutes. Place chicken in a large bowl or casserole dish.
- Using the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and let warm to medium-high heat. Add onion and cook 4 minutes, until translucent. Add broccoli and cook for an additional minute. Add in spinach and corn, cooking 30 seconds to 1 minute, until spinach is wilted and corn is heated. Transfer vegetable to the same bowl with the chicken. Stir to combine.
- Melt butter over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan. Whisk in flour and salt. Cook 1 to 2 minutes or until the flour turns to a light brown.
- Slowly whisk in the half and half, only 1/4 cup at a time until smooth and no lumps remain. Bring to a boil, making sure to stir constantly. Cook and stir one minute while lightly boiling. Remove from heat, cool 3 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the sour cream, Cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir the rice in with the chicken and vegetables. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Add toppings and bake additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve immediately, sprinkle with hot sauce and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 676 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 676kcal | 34% |
| Carbohydrates | 52g | 17% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 35g | 54% |
| Saturated Fat | 20g | 100% |
| Cholesterol | 145mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 1052mg | 44% |
| Potassium | 845mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1995IU | 40% |
| Vitamin C | 48.9mg | 54% |
| Calcium | 554mg | 55% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.