Chicken and Rice Casserole

There’s something truly heartwarming about a dish like Chicken and Rice Casserole. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the aroma filled our home, bringing everyone together in the kitchen, curious about what was bubbling away in the oven. This recipe is a comforting classic that has become a staple in our household. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, Chicken and Rice Casserole never fails to bring smiles and satisfied bellies. My kids love the cheesy goodness, while I appreciate how easy it is to prepare. It’s the kind of dish that warms your heart and fills your stomach, and there’s nothing quite like sharing it with loved ones around the dinner table.

This dish is loved not only for its flavor but also for its versatility. You can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand, and the results are always delicious. When I serve Chicken and Rice Casserole, I am reminded of the importance of family meals, where stories are shared and laughter fills the air. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s about creating memories.

As the cheese melts and gets bubbly on top, your kitchen becomes a cozy haven. Trust me, the moment you pull this casserole out of the oven, you’ll understand why it’s such a cherished recipe. So let’s dive into the magic of making Chicken and Rice Casserole and create a meal that’s bound to become a family favorite.

Main Ingredients for Chicken and Rice Casserole

The ingredients for Chicken and Rice Casserole come together beautifully to create a comforting and delicious meal. Each component plays a crucial role, from the hearty chicken to the nourishing brown rice and vibrant mixed vegetables. Together, they create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will surely satisfy.

• 3 cups shredded, cooked chicken breast (about 3 medium breasts) – The star of the show, providing protein and heartiness to the casserole.
• 3 cups cooked brown rice or wild and brown rice blend – A wholesome base that adds fiber and nuttiness.
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil – To sauté the onions and create depth of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – For richness and creaminess in the sauce.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced – Adds sweetness and flavor to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper – A touch of spice and warmth.
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves) – Infuses the casserole with aromatic flavor.
• 2 tablespoons white whole wheat flour – Helps to thicken the sauce and bind the ingredients.
• 1 (14-ounce) can reduced sodium chicken broth – Provides a savory base for the sauce.
• 1 cup nonfat milk or milk of choice – Adds creaminess to the casserole.
• 16 ounces frozen mixed vegetables – A convenient way to incorporate veggies without any chopping.
• 1 cup 2% Greek yogurt or full-fat – Adds creaminess; avoid fat-free to prevent curdling.
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided – For a cheesy topping that melts beautifully.
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Adds stretch and creaminess to the topping.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – A subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor.
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme – For an earthy aroma that complements the dish.
• Chopped fresh parsley or thyme for serving – A fresh garnish to finish the dish.

Putting Together Chicken and Rice Casserole

Making Chicken and Rice Casserole is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Let’s walk through the steps together so you can create this comforting dish from start to finish.

1. Start by placing a rack in the center of your oven and preheat it to 350 degrees F. This ensures even cooking for your casserole.

2. Next, coat a 9\u201d x 13\u201d or a similar casserole dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. It’s always a good idea to ensure your dish is ready for all that cheesy goodness!

3. In a Dutch oven or a large, sturdy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. As the butter melts and begins to foam, it’s the perfect time to add your onion, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture until the onion is softened and translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and adjust the heat as needed to avoid browning the onions, which can affect the flavor.

4. Once your onions are looking lovely, stir in the garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds. The moment you add the garlic, you’ll notice that delightful aroma wafting through the kitchen!

5. Now, sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Cook and stir constantly for at least 1 full minute until the flour starts to turn brown and no white bits remain. This adds a rich flavor base to your sauce.

6. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Take your time with this step; it’s key to a smooth and creamy sauce. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce it and let it gently bubble until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir often and adjust the heat as necessary.

7. After your sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the mixed vegetables, Greek yogurt, half of the cheddar cheese, mozzarella, Dijon mustard, and thyme until everything is smooth and well combined. This is the moment when your casserole starts taking shape!

8. Next, gently fold in the shredded chicken and cooked rice, mixing thoroughly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

9. Transfer the creamy mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top it off with the remaining cheddar cheese, creating a delicious cheese blanket.

10. Finally, bake the casserole in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot, about 15 minutes. For a beautiful golden top, turn the oven to broil and continue cooking for about 3 more minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Once done, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color.

11. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers settle and make it easier to serve!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

There are so many ways to make Chicken and Rice Casserole your own! Here are some tips to help you customize it:

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen, making it taste even better the next day!
• Freezing: You can freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Flavor Boost: Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of lemon juice or Worcestershire sauce for a bit of zing.
• Spice It Up: For a kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mix.
• Serving Styles: Serve with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. It pairs wonderfully with green beans or roasted vegetables.
• Variations: Try adding different proteins like turkey or a blend of seafood for unique flavor profiles.

Serving Options for Chicken and Rice Casserole

When it comes to serving Chicken and Rice Casserole, there are many delightful options to enhance your meal.

• Side Salads: Pair the casserole with a fresh garden salad or a Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast to the cheesy dish.
• Bread Rolls: Serve with warm bread rolls or garlic bread to scoop up the creamy sauce.
• Seasonal Veggies: Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots make excellent side dishes.
• Casual Gatherings: This casserole is perfect for casual gatherings or potlucks, where guests can easily serve themselves.
• Holiday Feasts: Consider including it as a cozy dish for holiday dinners, alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes or stuffing.
• Comfort Food Nights: On a chilly evening, serve it alongside a warm, spiced apple cider for a lovely meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

Chicken and Rice Casserole is a heartwarming dish that brings families together around the dinner table. Its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and abundance of flavor make it an irresistible comfort food. I encourage you to try this recipe and create your own family memories, filled with laughter and good food. Trust me, once you taste this delightful casserole, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved classic!

Chicken and Rice Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken and Rice Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutritious ingredients. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Serve it hot, and enjoy the warmth and joy it brings to your table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups shredded, cooked chicken breast (about 3 medium breasts)
• 3 cups cooked brown rice (or wild and brown rice blend)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
• 2 tablespoons white whole wheat flour
• 1 14-ounce can reduced sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup nonfat milk (or milk of choice)
• 16 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup 2% Greek yogurt (or full-fat; do not use fat-free as it is prone to curdling)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• to taste chopped fresh parsley or thyme (for serving)

Equipment

• Blender
• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Oven
• Cutting Board
• Frying Pan
• Chef's Knife
• Saucepan
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Start by placing a rack in the center of your oven and preheat it to 350 degrees F. This ensures even cooking for your casserole.
2. Next, coat a 9×13 or a similar casserole dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. It’s always a good idea to ensure your dish is ready for all that cheesy goodness!
3. In a Dutch oven or a large, sturdy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. As the butter melts and begins to foam, it’s the perfect time to add your onion, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture until the onion is softened and translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and adjust the heat as needed to avoid browning the onions, which can affect the flavor.
4. Once your onions are looking lovely, stir in the garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds. The moment you add the garlic, you’ll notice that delightful aroma wafting through the kitchen!
5. Now, sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Cook and stir constantly for at least 1 full minute until the flour starts to turn brown and no white bits remain. This adds a rich flavor base to your sauce.
6. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Take your time with this step; it’s key to a smooth and creamy sauce. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce it and let it gently bubble until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir often and adjust the heat as necessary.
7. After your sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the mixed vegetables, Greek yogurt, half of the cheddar cheese, mozzarella, Dijon mustard, and thyme until everything is smooth and well combined. This is the moment when your casserole starts taking shape!
8. Next, gently fold in the shredded chicken and cooked rice, mixing thoroughly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
9. Transfer the creamy mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top it off with the remaining cheddar cheese, creating a delicious cheese blanket.
10. Finally, bake the casserole in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot, about 15 minutes. For a beautiful golden top, turn the oven to broil and continue cooking for about 3 more minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Once done, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers settle and make it easier to serve!

Notes

• Tip 1: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
• Tip 2: Freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months.
• Tip 3: Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of lemon juice or Worcestershire sauce.
• Tip 4: For a kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mix.
• Tip 5: Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.

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Meet Nora Wells

The Hearth Keeper For me, cooking is about hospitality. I want every recipe we create to make people feel welcome and safe. I love the old ways of cooking cast iron skillets, wooden spoons, and recipes passed down through generations. I work with the team to add that touch of nostalgia to our dishes. Whether we are making a modern pasta or a vintage cake, I’m there to ensure it tastes like home.