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Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe

4.7 from 53 reviews

A comforting and easy-to-make casserole combining tender chicken breasts, instant rice, and creamy soups, baked together to create a flavorful one-dish meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a hassle-free dinner with minimal prep and maximum taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups instant rice (white or brown)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) water (use the empty soup can for measurement)
  • 1 envelope onion soup mix
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)

Optional Additions

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the casserole.
  2. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with 1 tablespoon of butter to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
  3. Combine the soups and water: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and the can of water until fully blended.
  4. Add seasoning and rice: Add the envelope of onion soup mix and 2 cups of instant rice to the soup mixture. Stir well to combine all dry and wet ingredients evenly.
  5. Add the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish, making sure they are evenly spaced.
  6. Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
  7. Add cheese (optional): If using shredded cheddar cheese, remove the foil about 10 minutes before the end of baking time, sprinkle the cheese evenly over the casserole, and return it uncovered to melt the cheese.
  8. Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to allow it to set before serving warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking time slightly.
  • For added vegetables, consider mixing in frozen peas or chopped bell peppers before baking.
  • If using brown instant rice, the baking time may need to be extended by 5-10 minutes.
  • To make the dish lower in fat, use reduced-fat cream soups and skip the optional cheese or use a low-fat cheese.
  • This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.

Keywords: chicken casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, baked chicken and rice, creamy chicken recipe