Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole

Craving a warm, comforting, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love? Look no further! This Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready for everyone to ask for seconds of this delightful casserole!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Easy to Make: Minimal prep time and simple instructions mean anyone can make it.
• Delicious Flavor: A creamy, cheesy sauce combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this comforting classic.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses common ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes just as good (or even better!) the next day.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 cups cooked white rice (about 1 cup uncooked)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (115g)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (120ml)
• 1/2 cup milk (120ml)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (75g)
• 1/2 cup diced carrots (75g)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (30g)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (1g)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (0.5g)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.5g)
• 1/2 cup crushed crackers (50g)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (15ml)

For the best results, use freshly cooked rice and high-quality cheddar cheese.

Essential Equipment List

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is essential for even baking.
• Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the cracker topping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Optional Equipment:

• Potato masher, for crushing crackers
• Box grater, for grating cheese

Alternatives:

• If you don’t have a 9×13-inch dish, use two smaller baking dishes.
• Use pre-shredded cheese to save time.

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Recipe Details

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Difficulty level: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures the casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, cream of chicken soup, frozen peas, diced carrots, chopped onion, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything well. Be sure to mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. This creates an even cooking surface.
4. In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter. Now sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, this will give a golden brown crust.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. Watch closely to prevent burning.
6. Finally, remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly. Enjoy your Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole!

Tips for Success

• Don’t overbake: Overbaking can dry out the casserole. Check for doneness at 25 minutes.
• Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor!
• Adjust seasonings: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Cracker Topping: If you don’t have crackers, you can use breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for the topping.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with plant-based chicken alternative or extra vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers for the topping.
• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Serving Suggestions & Pairing

Serve this Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole with a simple side salad for a complete meal. A side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus would also be delicious. For a non-alcoholic drink pairing, try a refreshing glass of iced tea or sparkling water with a lemon wedge. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Health Benefits

This Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole provides a good source of protein (30g per serving) from the chicken and cheese, which is essential for muscle building and repair. It also contains carbohydrates (35g per serving) for energy, along with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The vegetables offer essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, brown rice is a great substitute, but it may require a longer cooking time.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Add the cracker topping just before baking.
• Can I use a different kind of soup? Yes, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup would also work well.
• What can I use instead of crackers for the topping? Breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes are good alternatives.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole contains approximately:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fat: 20g

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Craving More Comfort Food? Try These Recipes!

Looking for more delicious and easy recipes? Check out these family-friendly favorites:

• Why not create a fiesta in your kitchen with this Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole? Bursting with savory flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Start your day with this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal. With warm spices, this is the perfect way to start your day.
• For another twist on a classic, try these Cinnamon Roll Blondies. These blondies are the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to please the whole family. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and heartwarming dish! Don’t forget to share your creations with us and follow our Facebook page for more yummy recipes and cooking tips! Share this recipe with your friends and family!

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