Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole
Enjoy a hassle-free and delicious meal with this Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole. This one-dish wonder combines tender chicken breasts with a velvety mushroom sauce and fluffy long grain rice, creating a comforting and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal prep and cleanup. Simply mix, bake, and serve - no mess, no fuss!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
condensed cream of mushroom soup
10 ounces (canned)
water
1 cup (none)
long grain rice
3/4 cup (uncooked)
paprika
1/4 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2
In a 2-quart shallow baking dish, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, water, uncooked long grain rice, paprika, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
3
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Season the chicken with a sprinkle of additional paprika and black pepper to taste.
4
Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil to retain moisture during cooking.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the rice is tender and fluffy.
6
Remove from oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve hot and enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The main protein is 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Do I need to cook the rice before baking?
No, the recipe uses uncooked long grain rice which cooks directly in the oven with the liquid.
What type of rice is best for this casserole?
Long grain white rice is recommended for the best texture and fluffiness.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
How long does it take to bake the chicken and rice?
It takes approximately 45 minutes in the oven to ensure the chicken is cooked and rice is tender.
Should the baking dish be covered while in the oven?
Yes, cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil to retain moisture during the cooking process.
What liquid is used to cook the rice in this dish?
The rice is cooked using a mixture of 1 cup of water and a 10-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is thoroughly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used, though you should verify the internal temperature for doneness.
What size baking dish is recommended for this recipe?
A 2-quart shallow baking dish is the recommended size for this amount of ingredients.
What spices are used to season the casserole?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of paprika and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can use other condensed soups like cream of chicken or cream of celery if preferred.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a one-dish wonder designed for minimal preparation and easy cleanup.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes, frozen peas or broccoli florets can be mixed into the rice mixture before baking.
Should I let the casserole rest after taking it out of the oven?
Yes, letting it rest for a few minutes allows the rice to finish absorbing any liquid for a fluffier texture.
Can I use brown rice instead of long grain white rice?
Brown rice requires more liquid and a significantly longer cooking time, so the recipe would need adjustment.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe uses 4 chicken breasts and 3/4 cup of rice, typically serving about 4 people.
Do I need to brown the chicken before adding it to the dish?
No, the chicken is placed raw on top of the rice mixture and bakes completely in the oven.
What should I do if the rice is still crunchy after 45 minutes?
If the rice is not tender, bake it for an additional 10 minutes while keeping the dish covered.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, you can sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top during the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as a hassle-free meal with simple mix, bake, and serve instructions.
How should I store any leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this chicken and rice casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use milk instead of water?
Yes, substituting milk for the water will create a richer and creamier sauce for the rice.
What if I only have frozen chicken breasts?
It is best to thaw the chicken breasts completely before starting to ensure they cook at the same rate as the rice.
Is there a lot of preparation involved?
No, the prep is minimal; you only need to stir the rice mixture and place the chicken on top.
Can I use instant rice for this recipe?
Instant rice is not recommended as it cooks much faster and would become mushy during the 45-minute bake.
Is the paprika spicy?
Regular paprika is mild and used primarily for color and a subtle earthy flavor.
Can I double this recipe for a larger family?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger 9x13 inch baking pan, keeping an eye on the cooking time.
What can I serve as a side with this meal?
A fresh side salad or steamed green vegetables like beans or asparagus pair well with this creamy dish.