This hearty Chicken and Rice Casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level in just over 2 hours. Perfect for busy weeknights, this protein-packed dish delivers 21g of lean protein and a satisfying 46g of carbohydrates per serving. The creamy combination creates a wholesome meal that’s both nutritious and delicious, with only 418 calories per portion. As the ingredients meld together during the slow cooking process, the flavors deepen to create an irresistible family-favorite that’s worth the wait.

Essential Ingredients

Long Grain Rice: 1 1/2 cups, forms the hearty base of the casserole
Cream Soups: 2 cans of cream of chicken or mushroom, adds rich creaminess
Liquid Elements: 1 cup water and 2 cups milk for perfect rice texture
Onion Soup Mix: 1 batch homemade or 1 envelope Lipton, adds savory depth
Cheddar Cheese: 1 1/2 cups shredded, divided for layering
Chicken: 3 thick boneless breasts or thighs, main protein source
Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation

Oven Preparation: Heat to 350°F and prepare your 9×13″ pan with non-stick spray
Mix Base: Combine rice, soups, milk, water, and onion seasoning until well blended
Layer Assembly: Pour mixture in pan, top with half the cheese, and nestle chicken into rice
Baking Time: Cover with foil and bake 1.5-2 hours until rice becomes tender
Final Touches: Top with remaining cheese and rest 15-20 minutes before serving
Serving Suggestion: Pair with fresh steamed vegetables or crisp green salad

Cooking Tips & Techniques

This cozy casserole is all about letting your oven do the work! The key to perfectly cooked rice is making sure your foil creates a good seal – this traps the steam and helps the rice cook evenly. If you notice the rice seems dry during the last 30 minutes of cooking, add an extra 1/4 cup of hot water. For the best results, place the chicken breasts in a single layer and try to keep them about the same thickness.

Easy Substitutions

You can swap things around to make this recipe work with what you have! Try using brown rice (you’ll need to add about 30 minutes to the cooking time), or mix up the cheese with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend. If cream of chicken soup isn’t your thing, cream of celery or cream of mushroom work great too. Chicken thighs make an amazing substitute for breasts – they stay super juicy and add extra flavor!

Serving Ideas

This hearty casserole really shines when paired with simple sides. Add some bright steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad to balance out the creamy richness. For extra color and crunch, try topping individual servings with some sliced green onions or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions. Don’t forget to let it rest for those 15-20 minutes – this helps everything set up nicely and makes serving much easier!

Storage & Leftovers

Good news – this casserole makes amazing leftovers! Once it’s cooled down, pop it in an airtight container and it’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring back the creamy texture. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.