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Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. - Cook the Rice:
Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. If you’re using leftover rice, you can skip this step and go straight to assembling the casserole. - Prepare the Casserole Mix:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until everything is combined and creamy. - Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the cooked rice evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy chicken mixture over the rice and spread it out evenly with a spatula. - Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the casserole, making sure to cover it completely. - Bake:
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. - Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot. The cheesy, creamy goodness will have your family hooked from the very first bite!
Why My Husband Can’t Get Enough
The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, creamy sauce, and melty cheese makes this casserole absolutely irresistible. It’s hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. And when my husband takes that first bite, I know I’ve got him hooked for the rest of the meal. He can’t stop eating it, and neither can anyone else at the table.
Tips for Making This Dish Even Better
- Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, consider adding veggies like broccoli, spinach, or peas to the casserole. You can mix them in with the creamy chicken sauce or layer them on top of the rice for extra color and flavor.
- Spice It Up: If your family enjoys a little heat, try adding a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the casserole mix for a spicy kick.
- Use Leftovers: This is a great recipe to make when you have leftover cooked chicken, making it a super easy dish to prepare. You can even use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Try Different Cheeses: While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, you can switch things up with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole is the type of recipe that becomes a staple in your household—one that everyone loves and asks for over and over again. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. And for me, it has the added bonus of keeping my husband hooked every time I make it.
If you’re looking for a dish that will quickly become a family favorite, this recipe is the one to try. Make it once, and I’m sure you’ll find yourself making it again and again. It’s that good!
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