Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole 7 Secrets

Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole 7 Secrets

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (680g)
• 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (2.5g)
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, cooked according to package directions (270g dry weight)
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup) (150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon) (6g)
• 1 cup frozen peas (120g)
• 1 cup frozen carrots, diced (120g)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56g)
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (32g)
• 3 cups chicken broth (720 ml)
• 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (2.5g)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (1g)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (50g)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (50g)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (28g)

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant.
• Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This is the roux.
• Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then stir in heavy cream, thyme, and nutmeg. Cook until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add cooked rice, cooked chicken, peas, and carrots to the sauce. Stir to combine.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
• In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550

Fat:25-35g

Fiber:2-3g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave that warm, fuzzy feeling only food can give? The answer is here. This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is total comfort food.

It's like a big hug with every single bite.

Brief Overview

This Classic Casserole Recipes is a true family favourite. It is super easy to whip up. It comes from simple home cooking.

It only takes about an hour from start to finish. This recipe makes enough to feed 6-8 hungry people. Perfect for a midweek meal.

Main Benefits

This Chicken and Rice Bake is packed with protein from the chicken. It is rich in nutrients. Its sure to please even the fussiest eaters, honest! Its especially good if you want a fuss-free dinner.

This Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe is special. It is the ultimate Ultimate Comfort Food .

Ingredients

Let’s talk ingredients, shall we? You'll need chicken. It is crucial! Rice, of course. And some creamy goodness to bring it all together.

Cooking Up Delicious Family Meals : A Story

Honestly, this recipe came about by accident. One rainy Tuesday, I had leftover cooked chicken. You know when you just stare into the fridge, hoping for inspiration? I wanted something comforting.

Something easy. Bingo ! This Creamy Chicken and Rice wonder was born. Its been a family staple ever since. It's one of my favourite Weeknight Chicken Dinner options.

It also can be a great One-Pan Chicken Dinner too!.

Mastering the Rice Casserole

Making the perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole: is easier than you think. The main secret is not to overcook the rice.

No one likes mushy rice. Ew . I use pre-cooked rice to avoid disaster. Honestly, it saves so much time.

Let’s get Baking

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole: Gather 'Round the Table!

Oh my gosh, are we about to dive into the Ultimate Comfort Food ? Honestly, this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is where it's at! It's one of those Classic Casserole Recipes that everyone loves.

It's perfect for Delicious Family Meals , and so simple, it’s an Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe . Let's get started, shall we?

Main Ingredients for a Creamy Dream

This isn't just any Rice Casserole recipe. This is the recipe. The one you'll make again and again.

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). This helps keep the chicken from sticking, innit?
• Chicken Breasts: 1 ½ pounds (680g), boneless and skinless, cubed. Look for chicken that is plump and pink. If you can, buy free-range, it makes all the difference.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g).
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5g). Freshly cracked is the bee's knees.
• Long-grain White Rice: 1 ½ cups (270g dry weight), cooked. I normally buy the uncle ben's, you know?
• Onion: 1 medium (about 1 cup/150g), chopped. Yellow onions are your best bet for this One-Pan Chicken Dinner
• Garlic: 2 cloves (about 1 teaspoon/6g), minced. Smells amazing, doesn't it?
• Frozen Peas: 1 cup (120g). No need to thaw them.
• Frozen Diced Carrots: 1 cup (120g). These add a bit of sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (56g).
• All-Purpose Flour: 4 tablespoons (32g).
• Chicken Broth: 3 cups (720 ml). Get a good quality one!
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240 ml). This is where the Creamy Chicken magic happens!
• Dried Thyme: ½ teaspoon (2.5g).
• Ground Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon (1g). Just a pinch for warmth.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (50g).
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: ½ cup (50g).
• Panko Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (50g)
• Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons (28g)

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!

Want to make this Chicken and Rice Bake sing? Don't skimp on the spices!

• Essential Combo: Thyme and nutmeg. It's a Classic Casserole Recipes vibe.
• Flavor Enhancers: A bay leaf in the sauce while it simmers can add depth.
• Substitution Option: If you don't have thyme, use Italian seasoning.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!

You don't need fancy equipment for this Weeknight Chicken Dinner .

• Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken.
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish: The heart of this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole .
• Whisk: To prevent lumps in the sauce.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine all the ingredients.

Honestly, this recipe is so simple, even a bloke who can barely boil water can pull it off! This will be the best Creamy Chicken and Rice meal that you've ever made.

Let's Get Casserole-ing: The Ultimate Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Oh my gosh, you guys! I'm SO excited to share this recipe. This is my go-to Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole .

Honestly, it's Ultimate Comfort Food at its finest. It's the kind of dish that just makes everything better. It's perfect for a Weeknight Chicken Dinner or a cozy Sunday afternoon.

Trust me, this Rice Casserole will become a family favourite! It's one of those Classic Casserole Recipes that's always a winner.

This is a winning and Delicious Family Meals recipe!

Prep Like a Pro: Setting the Stage for Casserole Success

First, you've gotta get your mise en place sorted. Chop your onion, mince that garlic, and measure out all your ingredients.

This Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe goes smoothly when you are prepared. It sounds a bit posh, but it just means getting everything ready.

It makes life so much easier, you know? Plus, cooking is way more fun when you aren't scrambling around. It also makes the One-Pan Chicken Dinner even easier if everything is measured out.

Step-by-Step to Creamy, Dreamy Goodness

1. Sauté Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Season 1 ½ pounds of cubed chicken with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper . Cook until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter . Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced cloves of garlic . Sauté until softened.
3. Make the Roux: Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1- 2 minutes , stirring constantly.
4. Create Cream Sauce: Gradually whisk in 3 cups of chicken broth until smooth. Simmer, then stir in 1 cup of heavy cream , ½ teaspoon of thyme , and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg . Cook until slightly thickened, about 3- 5 minutes .
5. Combine Ingredients: Stir in ½ cup of Parmesan cheese and ½ cup of cheddar cheese until melted. Add 1 ½ cups of cooked rice , the cooked chicken, 1 cup of peas , and 1 cup of carrots to the sauce.
6. Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish .
7. Add Topping: Combine ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of melted butter . Sprinkle over the casserole.
8. Bake: Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30- 35 minutes , until golden brown and bubbly.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Bake

Want to take your Creamy Chicken and Rice casserole to the next level? Here are a few tricks. First, don't overcook the chicken! Slightly undercooking ensures it stays moist in the casserole.

You know, nobody wants dry chicken. Second, always grate your own cheese. Seriously, pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt as well. Trust me on this one.

It will be a game changer for this Creamy Chicken dish. Finally, you can make the Creamy Chicken sauce a day ahead.

It'll save you time on a busy weeknight.

Recipe Notes for Your Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Adventure

Right then, let's chat about making this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole absolutely banging! These are the little things that can take it from "meh" to "OMG, I need seconds!"

Serving Suggestions – Get Your Plate On!

Honestly, presentation matters, even for Delicious Family Meals . For plating, try a generous scoop in a nice bowl, topped with a sprig of parsley.

A dollop of sour cream? Why not! This is the Ultimate Comfort Food , after all! Pair it with a simple green salad.

The acidity cuts through the richness beautifully. Crusty bread is always a winner for mopping up that glorious sauce. For a bevvy, a crisp white wine or even a cold beer works a treat.

Trust me.

Storage Tips – Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers of this Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe ? Lucky you! Store the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll keep for about 3-4 days, easy peasy. Freezing is an option. Wrap it well in foil and then pop it in a freezer bag.

It should last for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, bake it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

A splash of chicken broth can help revive the sauce. You can also microwave it, but it might not be as creamy.

Variations – Spice it Up!

Want to mix things up? You got it! For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cream and cheese. You’d be surprised how good it tastes! Seasonally, consider swapping the frozen peas and carrots for roasted butternut squash in the autumn.

Gives it a lovely sweet and savory twist. This Chicken and Rice Bake adapts like a champ!

Nutrition Basics – Fueling the Fam

Okay, let's be real. This isn’t health food. But it is packed with protein from the Creamy Chicken , and the rice provides energy.

Plus, you're getting veggies in there! If you're counting calories, just be mindful of the portion sizes. Also, you can always swap heavy cream with half-and-half to cut down on fats.

Right then, go forth and conquer this One-Pan Chicken Dinner ! It is your Weeknight Chicken Dinner game is about to level up.

Making your own Classic Casserole Recipes is easier than you think. Don't be scared to experiment and add your own flair.

Most importantly, have fun! You've got this!