Description
This deliciously comforting baked chicken and rice casserole combines tender, juicy chicken with seasoned rice in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, with minimal hands-on time and plenty of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
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2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or use homemade)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried parsley
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing the chicken)
Optional Toppings:
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Additional shredded cheese for the top
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prep the Chicken:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
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Sear the chicken in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage, just browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried parsley, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir to combine.
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Assemble the Casserole:
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Spread the rice mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
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Bake:
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Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the rice is tender.
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Optional Topping:
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For an extra cheesy topping, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and rice during the last 10 minutes of baking, and bake uncovered until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve:
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Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired
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Notes
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You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade version or use cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different flavor.
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If you want to add some vegetables to the casserole, consider adding peas, carrots, or bell peppers along with the rice mixture.
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This recipe can be doubled for larger groups or meal prepping. You may need to adjust the baking time if you use a larger baking dish.
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For a quicker version, use cooked rotisserie chicken instead of searing fresh chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American