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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and melt butter in the pan. Once the butter is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
While the chicken is cooking, you can start preparing the casserole base.
Step 2: Make the Rice Mixture
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Add the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir everything together to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt or pepper, if needed.
Next, stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it’s well-coated with the creamy sauce. This is where the magic happens—the rice absorbs all the flavors as it cooks in the oven, resulting in a rich and flavorful base.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Now that your rice mixture is ready, transfer it into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly across the dish.
Next, cut the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (or you can shred the chicken if you prefer). Scatter the chicken pieces evenly on top of the rice mixture.
If you’re using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the casserole for that gooey, melty finish.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Step 5: Serve
Once the casserole is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with some fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it up with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Why This Chicken and Rice Casserole is Still a Favorite
- Comforting and Cozy: There’s something about this dish that makes you feel right at home. The creamy, flavorful sauce with tender chicken and rice is the perfect comfort food, and it never fails to satisfy.
- Flexible and Customizable: You can make this casserole your own by adding your favorite veggies (like peas, carrots, or mushrooms) or even switching up the protein (turkey, ground beef, or a vegetarian version with beans and veggies). You can also use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.
- Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: This casserole is great for meal prep. You can make it in advance and refrigerate or freeze it for later. It’s also a wonderful option to make for new parents, neighbors, or anyone who needs a comforting meal delivered to their doorstep.
- Family-Approved: It’s the kind of meal that gets everyone at the table excited. Kids and adults alike love it, and it’s a great way to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.
A Dish Full of Memories
For me, this Chicken and Rice Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a piece of home. It’s a reminder of cozy family dinners, the warmth of my mom’s kitchen, and the comfort that comes from a simple, delicious dish. No matter how much time passes or how many new recipes I try, this dish will always have a special place in my heart (and on my dinner table). It’s a dish I crave whenever I want to feel that connection to my childhood, to the love and care that went into every meal my mom made.
I hope you give this recipe a try, whether you’re making it for your own family or to recreate some of those warm memories of home. It’s timeless, comforting, and sure to become a favorite in your household too.
Conclusion
This recipe is more than just food—it’s a taste of nostalgia, comfort, and family. My mom’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a meal that’s as simple as it is satisfying, and it continues to be something I crave, even as an adult. Whether you’re making it for your loved ones or for yourself, this dish is sure to bring a little extra warmth and happiness to your table.
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