Description

This classic Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. Tender cooked chicken combined with fluffy rice, creamy sour cream, and melty cheeses infuse every bite with rich flavor. Enhanced with sautéed onions, garlic, and fragrant herbs, this oven-baked casserole is easy to prepare and yields a delicious, satisfying one-dish meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice Mixture

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheeses

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the uncooked rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Set cooked rice aside.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, then remove from heat.
Mix the Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the chicken and rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the mixture.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot and enjoying your comforting meal.

Notes

You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken for convenience.
For added flavor, consider mixing in vegetables like peas or mushrooms.
Use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheeses to lower calorie and fat content.
If you prefer spicier flavors, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
Ensure the rice is fully cooked before mixing to avoid underdone grains in the casserole.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American