Description
A creamy and fluffy comfort dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich cheese sauce layered to perfection. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy weeknights, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup when diced)
2 cloves garlic, minced (roughly 1 tablespoon)
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie, boiled, or grilled)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup or low-sodium cream of chicken soup (alcohol-free)
1 cup cream cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Salt to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the uncooked rice and stir to coat the grains in the oil. Cook for about 1 minute.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the shredded chicken and let it warm in the rice mixture.
Transfer the rice and chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom/soup, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, thyme/Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Pour the cheese sauce over the rice and chicken mixture in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Feel free to add frozen or fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the rice mixture for added texture and nutrition.
This casserole can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for best results.
Leftovers can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg