Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight
This Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight is the perfect one-dish meal that combines convenience with comfort. Featuring tender chicken breasts nestled in a creamy, cheesy rice mixture, this dish requires just 5 minutes of prep time before it goes into the oven. Set it and forget it for an hour and a half, and you'll emerge from the kitchen to a delicious and heartwarming dinner that the entire family will love. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables for added nutrition and color. It's the ultimate solution for busy weeknights!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup
10 3/4 ounces (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
Water
2 2/3 cups
Uncooked Instant Rice
1 1/2 cups (Do not rinse.)
Onion Powder
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Plus additional for seasoning chicken.)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Halves
4-6 pieces (Trimmed of excess fat.)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
2 cups (About 8 oz.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a 3-quart shallow glass baking dish, combine the Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup, water, uncooked instant rice, onion powder, and ground black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3
Arrange the boneless skinless chicken breast halves on top of the rice mixture. Season the chicken with additional ground black pepper to taste.
4
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
5
After 45 minutes, check the chicken and rice for doneness. Bake covered for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the thickest part and the rice is fully cooked.
6
Once cooked, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7
For a nutritious twist, stir in 2 cups of fresh, canned, or frozen vegetables into the soup mixture before adding the chicken.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight?
It is a one-dish meal that combines chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy rice mixture for a comforting dinner.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What is the preparation time for this dish?
The preparation time is very short, taking only about 5 minutes.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
What type of soup should I use?
You should use one 10.75-ounce can of Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup.
Can I use a healthier version of the soup?
Yes, you can use either regular or 98 percent Fat Free Cream of Chicken Soup.
How much water is needed for the rice?
The recipe requires 2 and 2/3 cups of water.
What kind of rice is used in this recipe?
Use 1.5 cups of uncooked instant rice.
Should I rinse the instant rice first?
No, the instructions specify not to rinse the instant rice.
What seasonings are added to the rice mixture?
The mixture includes 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
What type of chicken is best for this casserole?
The recipe calls for 4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
How should I prepare the chicken breasts?
You should trim them of excess fat and season them with additional black pepper.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 3-quart shallow glass baking dish is recommended.
Should I cover the dish during baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the majority of the baking time.
How long is the initial baking period?
The initial baking period is 45 minutes while covered.
How much additional time is needed after the first 45 minutes?
Bake for another 30 to 45 minutes or until the chicken and rice are fully cooked.
How do I know the chicken is safe to eat?
The chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the thickest part.
When do I add the cheese?
Add the cheese after the chicken and rice are fully cooked and the foil has been removed.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, which is about 8 ounces.
How long does it take to melt the cheese?
Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can stir in 2 cups of vegetables into the soup mixture before adding the chicken.
What types of vegetables work best?
You can use fresh, canned, or frozen vegetables.
Is this a good meal for families?
Yes, it is described as a heartwarming dinner that the entire family will love.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 7 primary ingredients in this recipe.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal for easy cleanup.
Can I customize the seasoning?
Yes, you can add extra ground black pepper or other spices to your preference.
Does the rice cook in the oven?
Yes, the uncooked instant rice cooks directly in the dish with the soup and water.
How many chicken pieces can I use?
You can use between 4 and 6 chicken breast halves depending on size and hunger.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Absolutely, the 5-minute prep time makes it ideal for busy schedules.
Can I use a different type of soup?
While the recipe specifies Cream of Chicken, you could experiment with other cream-based soups for different flavors.