Savory Chicken and Mushroom Rice Bake
This Savory Chicken and Mushroom Rice Bake is an incredibly easy and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, crunchy water chestnuts, and fluffy rice. Perfect for utilizing leftover chicken or turkey, this one-dish meal is not only satisfying but also versatile. Top it with crushed cornflakes for added crunch or a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for a gooey finish. It’s great for family dinners or as a comforting meal prep option that can feed a crowd. Assemble in just a few minutes and let your oven do the work!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked rice
2 cups (cooked)
cooked chicken
2 1/2 cups (shredded or diced)
cream of mushroom soup
2 (10 ounce) cans (canned)
sliced water chestnuts
1 (8 ounce) can (drained)
canned mushrooms
1 1/2 cups (drained)
celery ribs
2 small (finely chopped)
mayonnaise
3/4 cup (none)
grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (or to taste)
onion
1 small (finely chopped)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (fresh)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (optional, to taste)
grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (or to taste)
shredded cheddar cheese or crushed cornflakes
to taste (topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish generously to prevent sticking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, drained water chestnuts, drained mushrooms, chopped celery, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
4
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5
Sprinkle 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by either crushed cornflakes or shredded cheddar cheese for topping.
6
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. If using shredded cheese, remove the foil and sprinkle it on during the last 5 minutes of baking for a deliciously melted topping.
7
Once done, let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your comforting and hearty meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Chicken and Mushroom Rice Bake?
It is a one-dish meal combining cooked chicken, rice, mushrooms, and water chestnuts in a creamy base, topped with Parmesan and optional crunchy ingredients.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is recommended?
A generously buttered 13 x 9-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Does the rice need to be cooked before assembly?
Yes, the recipe requires 2 cups of already cooked rice.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, this dish is versatile and works perfectly with leftover cooked chicken or turkey.
How much chicken is needed for this bake?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of shredded or diced cooked chicken.
What kind of soup provides the base for the casserole?
The recipe uses two 10-ounce cans of cream of mushroom soup.
Should the water chestnuts be drained?
Yes, one 8-ounce can of sliced water chestnuts should be drained before being added.
Do the canned mushrooms need to be drained?
Yes, you should drain 1 1/2 cups of canned mushrooms before mixing them in.
What vegetables are included in the mixture?
The recipe includes two small finely chopped celery ribs and one small finely chopped onion.
How much mayonnaise is used in the recipe?
3/4 cup of mayonnaise is mixed in to provide creaminess and binding.
Is there cheese inside the casserole mixture?
Yes, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese is stirred into the main mixture.
Why is lemon juice added to the bake?
One tablespoon of fresh lemon juice is added to help balance and brighten the flavors.
What spices are used for seasoning?
Salt and black pepper are used to taste, with an optional pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
What are the options for the top crust?
You can top the dish with either crushed cornflakes for crunch or shredded cheddar cheese for a gooey finish.
How much Parmesan cheese is used for the topping?
An additional 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese is sprinkled over the top before the final topping layer.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil during the initial baking period.
How long does the casserole bake?
The bake time is approximately 25-30 minutes.
When should I add the shredded cheddar cheese?
If using shredded cheese, remove the foil and sprinkle it on during the last 5 minutes of baking.
How do I know when the rice bake is finished?
The casserole is done when it is thoroughly hot and the edges are bubbly.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely, shredded or diced rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this meal.
Is the celery cooked before mixing?
No, the celery is finely chopped and mixed in raw; it softens during the baking process.
How should the baking dish be prepared?
The dish should be buttered generously to prevent the rice from sticking to the sides.
Can this recipe be used for meal prep?
Yes, it is a hearty and comforting option that is excellent for feeding a crowd or for meal prep.
Does the recipe use fresh or canned mushrooms?
The ingredient list specifically calls for 1 1/2 cups of drained canned mushrooms.
Is the onion cooked before it is added?
No, one small onion is finely chopped and added directly to the mixing bowl.
What is the purpose of the water chestnuts?
Water chestnuts add a distinct and pleasant crunch to the soft texture of the rice and chicken.
Can I omit the cayenne pepper?
Yes, the cayenne pepper is optional and can be left out if you prefer a milder flavor.
Should the dish be served immediately?
It is recommended to let the dish cool slightly before serving to allow the ingredients to set.
Is this a good recipe for utilizing leftovers?
Yes, it is specifically designed to utilize leftover cooked chicken, turkey, and rice.