If you also want to make and eat something creamy and delicious at home, then make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole. This one-pan weeknight wonder can be very wonderful for you, so now definitely make it at home.
Table of Contents
Creamy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole: One Pan Weeknight Wonder
- If you also want to make a very tasty and easy way to get a full meal at home just like the taste of a restaurant on busy days, then Creamy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole is great for you.
- This dish is a one-pan weeknight wonder which is very favorite of people all over America, it has soft rice as well as juicy chicken and delicious creamy sauce.
- This dish is baked in golden color. This meal is very comfortable for you on busy days and very easy to prepare for weeknights.
- In this, all the information is told to you in very easy steps, if you want to make an experienced home cook, then make it according to all the ingredients given to get a delicious result.
All required ingredients:-
Casserole Ingredients: –
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breasts, can be used with the bones in.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika, for color
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 10.5 ounces or use other creamy soup similar to celery
- 1 can cream of chicken soup, 10.5 ounces
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, optional for nutrition and color
- 1 cup chicken broth, low-sodium conditioned
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried thyme
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Pepper and salt to taste
Toppings, recommended but optional:-
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Full instructions for making Creamy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole:-
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for even baking and a golden brown color.
2. Preparing the Baking Dish
Take a 9*13 inch casserole dish and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray, which prevents sticking and makes cleaning very easy.
3. Mixing the Creamy Base
- Now take a large mixing bowl and add the given ingredients in the given quantity and mix them-
- Garlic powder, onion powder, mushroom soup cream, chicken broth, chicken soup cream, dried thyme, pinch of salt and pepper.
- Beat all these mixtures well until smooth.
4. Using Rice and Vegetables
Adding to the Creamy Base –
- One medium sized onion chopped
- One cup of carrots and frozen peas
- One cup of white rice, long grain uncooked.
- Mix all the ingredients well and ensure that the rice is completely coated with the creamy sauce.
5. Pouring into the Dish
To make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole, pour the creamy rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, then spread it evenly on the bottom with the help of a spatula or spoon.
6. Seasoning the chicken
Before seasoning, pat dry with a paper towel and apply a little melted butter or olive oil on all the pieces. This will help the seasoning to stick better and your creamy oven baked chicken and rice casserole will be amazing.
- Spices to use-
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Paprika for color optional
- Italian seasoning or a pinch of thyme
- After seasoning the chicken, place all the chicken pieces on top of the rice and press it gently.
7. Cover and bake
Cover your chicken casserole tightly with an aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 50 to 55 minutes. Keep in mind that the oven should be preheated.
Note: The cooking time in the oven may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken. You will know it is done when:
- The rice is soft and fluffy
- The internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F
- Bubbles appear in the sauce.
8. Remove the lid and add toppings, optional
Once your chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender, remove the filet and sprinkle the following ingredients on it:-
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Bake in the oven, uncovered, for 12 to 15 minutes until the top is crispy and golden.
9. Chill before serving
Before serving, make sure to chill your dish at room temperature for 8 to 12 minutes so that everything in the dish solidifies and you can scoop easily.
Serving Suggestions:
Creamy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole is a very filling meal, but with these few serving suggestions, you can make a wonderful side dish:-
- Buttered corn on the cob
- Dinner rolls or garlic bread
- Green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli
Storing and Reheating:
Storing in the Refrigerator: Let leftovers cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezer: Use a freezer-safe container to store in the freezer, and they can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating:- You can reheat the dish in individual servings for 3 to 4 minutes or in the microwave until warm.
If you want extra crispiness, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 18 to 20 minutes.
Easy variations:-
To make this recipe yourself, try these tasty recipes that make this Creamy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole even better.
Cheesy Broccoli Chicken:– Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup steamed broccoli.
For a Mexican inspired variation:- Add 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, black beans and corn, then top with shredded peppers and jack.
For mushroom lovers:- Double the mushrooms but use fresh roasted mushrooms.
Low carb options:- Use cauliflower instead of rice and halve the broth.
Reasons to love Creamy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole:
- This recipe requires less dishes and less clean up
- It is a 1 dish meal
- It is budget friendly so you can have everything you need in your pantry for very little money.
- You can freeze leftovers.
- You can simply bake it and leave it in the oven to cook.
Final Thoughts
If you want to prepare meals ahead of time, this Creamy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole is a great way to go and it is a firm favourite.
It is easy to prepare and with very simple ingredients and satisfying results, it is a staple in every kitchen in America.
When it comes to having guests over for dinner or just wanting to eat something different and delicious on the table with the family, this dish is a favourite as it never disappoints.
So get ready to make this this weekend or try it out on your busy days. Be sure to bookmark this now and share it with all your friends who want to make something hassle-free.