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Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 112 reviews

This creamy chicken rice casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender cubed chicken, fluffy white rice, and a rich cream of celery soup base, all baked together and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines easy preparation with delicious, homestyle flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

Grains

  • 2 cups uncooked white rice

Liquids and Soup

  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cans cream of celery soup (10.5 ounces each)
  • 1/4 cup melted butter

Seasonings and Cheese

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using non-stick spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
  2. Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of chicken broth, 2 cans of cream of celery soup, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
  3. Combine the Ingredients: Add 2 cups of uncooked white rice and the cubed chicken breasts to the sauce mixture. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir everything together until the chicken and rice are fully coated with the sauce.
  4. Transfer to the Baking Dish: Pour the prepared chicken and rice mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture during baking.
  5. Bake the Casserole: Place the covered baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 70 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil; at this point, the rice should be tender and the chicken fully cooked through.
  6. Add the Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and develop a golden-brown crust.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the dish set for easier serving. Serve warm alongside a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken is cubed evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Covering the dish with foil is crucial to prevent the rice from drying out during the long baking time.
  • You can substitute cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup if preferred.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and low-sodium chicken broth.

Keywords: chicken casserole, creamy chicken rice, baked chicken and rice, comfort food, cheddar cheese casserole

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/creamy-chicken-rice-casserole-recipe/