Easy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
User Reviews
4.3
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 40 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
436 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Description
Easy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe combines diced chicken, rice, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, and an onion soup mix in a single baking dish. The rice is layered first, topped with chicken and cheese, then covered with creamy soup and water before baking. This method allows the rice to cook through and absorb the savory flavors from the soup and seasoning. Baking at a moderate temperature for 90 minutes ensures the casserole is fully cooked. Adding cheddar cheese near the end develops a melted cheese topping with a touch of crispness. This hearty casserole provides a fulfilling, cheesy main dish that combines protein and grains with a creamy texture.
The casserole has a mild savory flavor profile, balancing the richness of cheese and cream of chicken soup with subtle seasoning from the onion soup mix. The rice cooks nestled beneath the chicken and soup, staying moist and tender. The chicken pieces provide bite-sized protein throughout. The extra cheese melted on top creates a slight golden crust, enhancing texture contrast.
Serve this casserole on its own or with a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It works well for casual dinners when a comforting, no-fuss dish is desired. The recipe accommodates using either white or brown rice, adjusting bake time accordingly. Its simple ingredients and single-baking-dish approach make it practical for home cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken *boneless/skinless, diced
- 2 cups rice brown or white works, not Instant, uncooked
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese *shredded
- salt
- black pepper
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup *10.5 oz cans
- 3 cups water
- 1 envelope onion soup mix Lipton brand
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9 x 13 baking dish.
- Layer the bottom of pan with the rice.
- Add 1 cup of cheddar cheese, salt pepper, and chicken to the top of the rice.
- Spread the 2 cans of cream of chicken soup over the chicken.
- Pour water on top, followed by the Lipton onion mix.
- Place pan carefully into the preheated oven, and allow to bake for 90 minutes. If using brown rice, add about 10 minutes to the baking time.
- Once cooked, remove from oven and sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top. Bake an additional 5 minutes to allow cheese to melt.
- Enjoy!!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 436 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 436kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 54g | 18% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 57mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 745mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 215mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 335IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 238mg | 24% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.