Description
A comforting, easy-to-make casserole featuring tender chicken breasts baked atop a flavorful mixture of rice, cream soups, and onion soup mix. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner and requires minimal prep with a deliciously creamy and savory result.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice Casserole
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups Minute 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
- 1 tbsp butter, for greasing
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
Optional Topping
- Shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar or your choice), amount as desired
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly with 1 tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water (the full 10.5 oz can), and 2 cups of Minute rice. Stir fully until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the rice mixture evenly into the greased baking pan. Arrange the 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture in a single layer.
- Add seasoning: Sprinkle the contents of one envelope of Lipton onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts to add flavor and seasoning.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice mixture is tender.
- Optional cheesy topping: If you prefer a cheesy finish, remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of baking and sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken. Return uncovered to the oven to melt the cheese.
- Rest and serve: Once baking is complete, remove the pan from the oven and let the casserole stand uncovered for 5 minutes. Serve directly from the baking dish for warm, hearty portions.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts used.
- You can use either white or brown Minute rice according to your preference.
- For a lower sodium option, choose low-sodium soup varieties and onion soup mix.
- Adding shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes is optional but enhances flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken casserole, easy dinner, baked chicken and rice, creamy chicken rice bake, one dish meal
