Description
This cozy forgotten chicken and rice casserole is a classic one-dish dinner made with tender baked chicken and creamy, comforting rice. Everything cooks together in the oven under foil, creating a soft, savory meal that’s perfect for lazy nights, family dinners, or feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
-
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
2 cups instant rice (white or brown)
-
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
-
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
-
1 can (10.5 oz) water (use the empty soup can for measurement)
-
1 envelope onion soup mix
-
1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
Optional Additions:
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
1–2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
-
1 cup diced cooked chicken (to stretch the protein)
-
Dash of black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika for added flavor
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with the butter.
-
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and instant rice, stirring until evenly mixed.
-
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.
-
If using optional additions such as frozen vegetables or shredded cheddar cheese, gently stir them into the rice mixture.
-
Place the raw chicken breasts directly on top of the rice mixture in a single layer. Butterfly them if especially thick for even cooking.
-
Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
-
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes. Do not remove the foil during baking.
-
Remove the foil and check that the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender and creamy.
-
For a lightly golden top, broil uncovered for 3–5 minutes, watching closely.
-
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
-
Do not lift the foil while baking. Trapped steam is essential for cooking the rice properly.
-
Instant rice is required for this method; regular rice will not cook correctly with these measurements.
-
Butterflying thick chicken breasts helps them cook evenly without drying out.
-
Let the casserole rest before serving so the rice can absorb extra moisture and set.
-
Taste before adding extra salt, as the onion soup mix already provides seasoning.