Smoky Mountain Chicken and Rice Casserole

Smoky Mountain Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Smoky Mountain Chicken and Rice Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sour cream, smoky adobo sauce, and gooey smoked cheddar cheese. This casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering.

History

This recipe is inspired by the flavors of the Smoky Mountains, known for their rich and hearty cuisine. The combination of chicken, rice, and cheese is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations in the Appalachian region.

Ingredients

2 cups sour cream
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup (10.75 oz (305 g))
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped fine
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
3 cups cooked long-grain rice
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 cups shredded smoked cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Lightly grease a 13-by-9-by-2 inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, soup, chipotles, salt, and black pepper.
Stir in the rice, chicken, and cheese.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared dish.
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges of the casserole are bubbly.
Turn the oven to the broil setting and lightly brown the casserole.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or green chilies for a spicy kick.
Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, for a unique flavor.
Substitute the chicken with ground beef or turkey for a different twist.

Notes

Serving suggestion: Garnish with additional sour cream and sliced green
onions.
Try substituting a cooked red rice in this delicious casserole.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice until it is just tender, as it will continue to cook in the casserole.

- For extra flavor, you can add diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the casserole.

- To make this dish vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the rice according to package instructions before adding it to the casserole.

- Baking the casserole uncovered allows the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have smoked cheddar cheese, you can use regular cheddar or another type of cheese.

- You can use Greek yogurt or mayonnaise instead of sour cream for a lighter version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. This is a great make-ahead dish for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the casserole with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

This casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Smoky Mountain Chicken and Rice Casserole contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Smoky Mountain Chicken and Rice Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Smoky Mountain Chicken and Rice Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

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

Vitamins and minerals

This casserole is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and sour cream) and gluten (condensed cream of chicken soup), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Smoky Mountain Chicken and Rice Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Smoky Mountain Chicken and Rice Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy texture, smoky flavor, and cheesy goodness, this casserole is a comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was a warm summer day in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, and I was visiting a dear friend who lived in a quaint little cabin tucked away in the trees. As soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted by the most tantalizing aroma that seemed to dance through the air and beckon me into the kitchen.

My friend, Martha, was busy stirring a pot on the stove, her face glowing with joy and excitement. "Come closer, dear," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "I have a special recipe to share with you today."

As I watched Martha work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but be amazed by her skill and expertise. She moved with a grace and confidence that only comes from years of practice and passion for cooking. It was as if she was conducting a symphony, each ingredient playing its part in perfect harmony.

The recipe she was making was a Smoky Mountain Chicken and Rice Casserole, a dish that had been passed down through generations in her family. As she explained each step to me, I listened intently, eager to learn the secrets behind this mouthwatering creation.

The first step was to season the chicken with a blend of herbs and spices that Martha had carefully selected from her garden. As she rubbed the mixture into the chicken, the fragrant aroma filled the room, creating a sense of warmth and comfort that enveloped me like a hug from an old friend.

Next, Martha sautéed the chicken in a cast-iron skillet until it was golden brown and crispy on the outside. The sizzle of the chicken as it cooked was music to my ears, a symphony of flavors coming together in perfect harmony.

Then came the rice, a key ingredient in this dish that would serve as the base for all the other delicious flavors to come. Martha added the rice to the skillet, along with a generous helping of chicken broth and diced tomatoes. As the mixture simmered on the stove, the rice absorbed the rich flavors, transforming into a savory and comforting dish that promised to delight the taste buds.

But the secret ingredient in this recipe was the smoked paprika, a spice that Martha had imported all the way from Spain. She sprinkled a generous amount over the rice and chicken, the smoky aroma wafting through the kitchen and filling the air with a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

As the casserole baked in the oven, the tantalizing scent continued to fill the cabin, drawing me closer to the kitchen with each passing minute. I couldn't wait to taste the final product, to experience the culmination of Martha's hard work and dedication to her craft.

When the timer finally dinged, Martha pulled the casserole out of the oven, a smile of satisfaction spreading across her face. The dish was a beautiful golden brown, the chicken tender and juicy, the rice fluffy and flavorful. It was a work of art, a masterpiece of flavors and textures that promised to transport me to the heart of the Smoky Mountains with each bite.

As we sat down to enjoy the meal, I marveled at the way the flavors danced on my tongue, each bite a symphony of tastes and textures that told a story of tradition and love. I felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Martha for sharing this recipe with me, for inviting me into her kitchen and allowing me to experience the magic of Smoky Mountain cooking.

And as I savored the last bite of the casserole, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart for years to come. It was more than just a dish – it was a memory, a connection to my dear friend and the beauty of the Smoky Mountains that would stay with me forever.