Chicken and Rice Casserole I

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Chicken and Rice Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering. This hearty casserole is made with tender chicken breasts, creamy garlic soup, savory onion soup mix, and crunchy french fried onions, all baked together with fluffy rice. It's a simple and delicious one-dish meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

The origins of Chicken and Rice Casserole are a bit murky, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. This dish became popular as a convenient and budget-friendly way to feed a crowd, using simple and readily available ingredients. Over the years, different variations of the recipe have emerged, with each cook adding their own twist to make it their own.

Ingredients

2 cans (10.75 oz / 305 g each) condensed cream of mushroom with roasted garlic
1 cup milk
1 envelope (1.35 oz / 38 g) dry onion soup mix
0.5 cup chopped celery
1 cup uncooked rice
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (2.8 oz / 79 g) french fried onions

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine the soup, milk, soup mix, celery, and rice; stir until well blended.
Pour the rice mixture into a baking dish measuring 13x9x2 inches.
Place the chicken breasts over the rice mixture and top with onions.
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 50 minutes; then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Variations

Add diced vegetables such as carrots, peas, or bell peppers to the rice mixture for added color and nutrition.
Use different flavors of condensed soup, such as cream of mushroom or cream of chicken, to change up the taste of the casserole.
Substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a different texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add extra flavor to the dish, you can season the chicken breasts with your favorite herbs and spices before placing them on top of the rice mixture.

- For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking to brown the french fried onions.

- Make sure to let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the dish to set.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken and Rice Casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also pair it with crusty bread or dinner rolls for a hearty and filling dinner.

Cooking Techniques

Baking, Mixing

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have condensed garlic soup, you can use cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup as a substitute.

- Instead of dry onion soup mix, you can use a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, and salt for seasoning.

- For a healthier option, use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice in the casserole.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great time-saving option for busy weeknights or when hosting a dinner party.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the casserole with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives before serving to add a pop of color and freshness. You can also serve it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken and Rice Casserole pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, serve it with a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Chicken and Rice Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken and Rice Casserole contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken and Rice Casserole contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken and Rice Casserole contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken and Rice Casserole contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken and Rice Casserole is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and wheat (soup mix), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chicken and Rice Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that is easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and crunchy topping, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it for dinner tonight and savor every bite of this delicious and hearty meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a cold winter day, and I was rummaging through an old box of cookbooks that had been tucked away in the back of my pantry for years. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on a handwritten note tucked between the pages of a worn-out cookbook.

The note read, "Chicken and Rice Casserole I - a family favorite passed down through generations. Enjoy!" Curious, I decided to give the recipe a try. Little did I know that this simple dish would soon become a staple in my own kitchen, beloved by my family and friends alike.

I remember the first time I made Chicken and Rice Casserole I. The aroma of garlic and onions filled the air as I sautéed the vegetables in butter, creating a savory base for the dish. I added in the tender pieces of chicken, seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices that danced on my taste buds.

Next, I stirred in the rice, letting it soak up all the flavors and juices from the chicken and vegetables. As the casserole baked in the oven, the tantalizing smell wafted through the house, drawing my family to the kitchen with eager anticipation.

When I pulled the casserole out of the oven, the golden brown crust on top glistened with melted cheese, signaling that it was ready to be devoured. I scooped out generous portions onto our plates, the steam rising in tendrils as we dug in with gusto.

The first bite was a revelation. The creamy rice was perfectly cooked, each grain plump and flavorful. The tender chicken melted in our mouths, infused with the rich, savory sauce that clung to every bite. The combination of textures and flavors was a symphony of taste, a perfect harmony that left us craving more.

As we sat around the table, savoring every bite, I couldn't help but think back to the note I had found in the old cookbook. Who had written it? Where had this recipe come from? I knew then that this dish was more than just a meal - it was a link to the past, a connection to generations of cooks who had lovingly passed it down through the years.

In the days that followed, I made Chicken and Rice Casserole I over and over again, perfecting the recipe with each batch. I added my own twist, experimenting with different herbs and spices, adjusting the cooking time to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Each time I made the casserole, it brought me back to that cold winter day when I had stumbled upon the recipe that would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories that would last a lifetime.

And so, as I sit here now, penning this story for my grandchildren to read, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures of cooking, for the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones, and for the legacy of recipes that have been passed down through the generations.

As I close the old cookbook, the pages now stained with memories of meals shared and laughter enjoyed, I know that Chicken and Rice Casserole I will always hold a special place in my heart. It is more than just a recipe - it is a symbol of love, tradition, and the enduring power of food to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls as well.