Looking for a delicious and easy dish to impress your family and friends this holiday season? Look no further than this Elegant Christmas Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole! With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and flavorful chicken, this casserole is perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and fragrant rice creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy instructions, this casserole can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
Ingredient Notes:
- Uncooked long grain white rice: Adds a hearty texture to the casserole.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to create a cheesy topping.
- Chicken breasts: Provide a lean protein source that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Cream of chicken soup: Creates a rich and flavorful base for the dish.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the casserole.
- Milk: Helps to create a creamy texture.
- Onion soup mix: Adds a savory flavor boost.
- Fresh parsley, salt, and pepper: Enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, onion soup mix, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a crispy topping, sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas or broccoli for added nutrition.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
- Marinate the chicken breasts in the cream of chicken soup mixture for extra tenderness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Elegant Christmas Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole with a side of steamed vegetables and a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal. Pair it with a glass of white wine or sparkling cider for a festive touch.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, cover the casserole dish with foil or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs? Absolutely, just be sure to adjust the cooking time.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Conclusion:
This Elegant Christmas Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is sure to become a family favorite for the holidays and beyond. Give it a try and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with your loved ones. Don’t forget to share your feedback and spread the joy of this delicious dish!
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Elegant Christmas Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Elegant Christmas Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Tender chicken, creamy cheddar cheese, and fragrant rice come together in a decadent casserole that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
-
- 2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 uncooked chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise
Sauce:
- 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounce each) or homemade cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 3 Tablespoons onion soup mix OR 1 packet dry Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- 1 Tablespoon fresh minced parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook Rice: Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then brown them in a skillet over medium heat. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Make Sauce: In a large bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, onion soup mix, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble Casserole: In a baking dish, layer cooked rice, chicken pieces, sauce mixture, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli to the casserole for added color and nutrition.
- Feel free to top the casserole with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a crunchy topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1050 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg