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Ultimate Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Casserole

A close-up of a baked chicken and rice casserole topped with melted cheddar cheese and parsley in a glass dish.
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Make this ultimate creamy smothered chicken and rice casserole for a comforting meal. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a rich, flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner or weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. You do not need to cook it through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, thyme, pepper, and salt until smooth.
  6. Stir the uncooked rice into the soup mixture.
  7. Add the browned chicken and the optional frozen peas to the soup mixture. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
  8. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  9. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  10. Bake for 45 minutes.
  11. Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  12. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  13. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before you serve it.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken. Add it in Step 6 when mixing the ingredients.
  • If you prefer a thinner sauce, increase the chicken broth or milk by 1/4 cup each.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed green beans for a complete family favorite chicken meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/creamy-smothered-chicken-and-rice-casserole/