Forgotten Chicken and Rice: Simple Baked Comfort (Print Version)
Rediscover Forgotten Chicken and Rice, a simple baked comfort casserole. Creamy, savory, and so easy for weeknights. Your new family favorite!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 55 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Gluten
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1.5 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
→ Creamy Sauce Essentials
04 -
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (low-sodium preferred)
05 -
1.5 cups chicken broth
06 -
1 cup whole milk
→ Flavor Boosters
07 -
1 small yellow onion, diced
08 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
09 -
1 tsp dried thyme
10 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Finishing Touches
11 -
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
12 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). Then, chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces – I usually go for about 1-inch chunks, it just cooks more evenly. Dice up your onion and mince that garlic. You want everything ready to go because once you start, it moves pretty quickly. This is where I sometimes get distracted by a podcast and forget to mince the garlic properly, oops!
02 -
Grab a large skillet, one that can handle a bit of a crowd, and heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in your chicken pieces and cook them until they're lightly browned on all sides. You don't need to cook them through, just get some color. Remove the chicken and set it aside. Then, add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes, before stirring in the garlic and thyme for another minute until fragrant. Oh, the smell is just divine at this point!
03 -
Now, for the magic! Pour in the chicken broth and milk, and stir in that glorious can of cream of chicken soup. Whisk it all together until it's smooth and there are no lumps. Season with salt and pepper to your liking – remember, the soup has some salt, so taste as you go! This is where I always add a little extra black pepper, I just love that kick. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
04 -
In a large 9x13 inch baking dish, spread out your uncooked long-grain white rice evenly. Then, nestle those browned chicken pieces on top of the rice. Pour that creamy, dreamy sauce mixture all over the chicken and rice, making sure everything is submerged. Give it a gentle stir to ensure the rice is completely covered, otherwise, you'll have crunchy bits, and nobody wants that in their casserole.
05 -
Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This is crucial for steaming the rice perfectly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. I usually peek around the 35-minute mark, just to make sure things are going smoothly. Sometimes my oven runs hot, so I've learned to trust my instincts here.
06 -
Once the rice is cooked, pull the dish out of the oven. Remove the foil and sprinkle that generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Return it to the oven, uncovered, for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving – it helps the sauce set up nicely. Garnish with fresh parsley, and behold your glorious <mark>Forgotten Chicken and Rice</mark> casserole!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd the pan; chicken needs space to brown properly, or it won't get that lovely color.
02 -
Leftovers are amazing, honestly! Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days; it reheats beautifully.
03 -
No cream of chicken soup? Use a roux with milk and chicken broth instead for a similar creamy base.
04 -
A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look fancy, even if it's a super easy weeknight meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
whisk
04 -
aluminum foil
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Protein: 30g