Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food – the Forgotten Chicken Rice Casserole. This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly day, and it’s so easy to whip up that even a bustling kitchen can’t mess it up! I remember family gatherings where this casserole was the star of the show, bubbling away in the oven while we shared stories and laughter around the table. What I love most is how versatile it is; you can throw in whatever you have on hand, and it’ll still taste incredible. Trust me, once you try it, this delightful dish will become a go-to for cozy family meals!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – I usually use leftover rotisserie chicken for extra flavor, but any cooked chicken works great!
- 1 cup rice, uncooked – Make sure to use long-grain rice for the best texture; it cooks beautifully in the casserole.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup – This adds that creamy, comforting element; if you’re not a fan, you can swap it for cream of chicken soup.
- 1 cup chicken broth – This keeps everything moist and enhances the chicken flavor; low-sodium is a good choice if you’re watching salt.
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables – I love using a colorful mix with peas, carrots, and corn for added nutrition and sweetness!
- 1 cup shredded cheese – Cheddar is my go-to for that melty goodness, but feel free to mix it up with your favorite cheeses.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Just the right amount to give it that savory punch.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds depth without the hassle of chopping onions.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Always adjust to your liking for a perfect balance!
How to Prepare Forgotten Chicken Rice Casserole
Getting this casserole ready is a breeze, and I promise it’ll fill your kitchen with the most delightful aroma! Let’s dive into the steps so you can enjoy this comforting dish in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures everything bakes evenly and beautifully.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded cooked chicken, uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Give it a good stir to mix everything together; you want all those flavors to mingle!
- Next, toss in the frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir again until everything is well combined. It should look hearty and colorful!
- Now, transfer this lovely mixture into a greased baking dish. I like to use a 9×13 inch dish for the perfect fit, but any similar size will do.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top. Who doesn’t love a cheesy crust?
- Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 45 minutes. This helps everything cook through and keeps it nice and moist.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown, which will make your mouth water!
- Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This waiting time will make it easier to scoop out those delicious portions!
Nutritional Information
This Forgotten Chicken Rice Casserole is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients! Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 350 calories, 10g of fat, 25g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. It’s a wholesome choice for family meals, but remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy knowing you’re nourishing your loved ones with every bite!
Tips for Success
To make your Forgotten Chicken Rice Casserole even more amazing, here are some tips that I swear by! First, don’t skip the greasing step on your baking dish; it’ll save you from a sticky situation later. If you want to kick up the flavor, consider sautéing some onions and garlic before mixing them in—yum! Also, feel free to experiment with different cheeses; a mix of cheddar and mozzarella creates a delightful stretchiness. And remember, if your casserole seems a bit dry after baking, just stir in a splash of chicken broth before serving to bring it back to life. Happy cooking!
Variations
This Forgotten Chicken Rice Casserole is super adaptable, and I love getting creative with it! For a twist, try swapping in different veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or even spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could use shredded turkey or rotisserie chicken for a different flavor profile. Want to spice things up? Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of paprika for a kick! And don’t forget about herbs—fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the dish beautifully. The possibilities are endless, so have fun customizing it to your taste!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Forgotten Chicken Rice Casserole is super simple! Just cover any leftovers with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container, and pop them in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it too! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe containers, and it should keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, just pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy one-dish meal that comes together in no time.
- Perfectly comforting for family dinners, leaving everyone satisfied.
- Versatile and customizable with whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- Deliciously cheesy on top, making it a favorite for both kids and adults.
- Great for meal prep; leftovers taste just as good the next day!
FAQ Section
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can! Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you might need to increase the baking time or pre-cook it slightly before mixing it in.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan, you can definitely swap it out for cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce for a lighter option.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, it is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and ensure your cream of mushroom soup is also gluten-free.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top and the rice is tender. A little peek under the foil can help you check!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
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Forgotten Chicken Rice Casserole: 7 Cozy Comforts Unveiled
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting chicken and rice casserole that is easy to prepare and perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup rice, uncooked
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, rice, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use any cooked chicken.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken if preferred.
- Experiment with different vegetables as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Forgotten Chicken Rice Casserole