Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe 🍗🍚🧅

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This comforting, hearty casserole is perfect for a family dinner! It’s packed with tender chicken, flavorful rice, and creamy soup, topped with crispy fried onions for a satisfying crunch. Pair it with homemade garlic cheesy bread for a complete, delicious meal.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

  • 7-8 chicken tenders (or 3-4 chicken breasts, halved)
  • 2 cups uncooked rice (long-grain or jasmine)
  • 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth
  • 1 packet onion soup mix (like Lipton)
  • 1-2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, optional)
  • 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (plus extra for garnish)

Optional Topping:

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby jack, or your favorite blend)

For the Garlic Cheesy Bread:

  • 1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Assemble the Casserole:

  1. Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the dish.
  2. In a bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until smooth. Pour the mixture over the rice, ensuring it is evenly coated.
  3. Add the broccoli florets to the dish, mixing gently with the rice mixture.
  4. Season the chicken tenders with your favorite spices (paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper work well). Place the chicken tenders on top of the rice mixture.
  5. Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
  6. Top with crispy fried onions for added flavor and crunch.

3. Bake:

  1. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour at 350°F.
  2. After an hour, check if the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is tender.
  3. For extra indulgence, sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking. Remove the foil for a bubbly, golden cheese topping.

4. Rest and Serve:

  1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
  2. Garnish with additional crispy fried onions for extra texture.

Homemade Garlic Cheesy Bread

  1. Slice the French bread in half lengthwise.
  2. Mix softened butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and parsley in a bowl. Spread this mixture evenly on the cut sides of the bread.
  3. Top each half with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  4. Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden finish, broil for 1-2 minutes.

Tips for Success

  1. Rice Texture: Use long-grain rice for fluffy results. Avoid instant rice, as it may overcook.
  2. Chicken Cuts: Substitute chicken tenders with thighs for a richer flavor, but adjust cooking time as needed.
  3. Veggie Options: Swap broccoli with green beans, spinach, or peas for variety.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve the casserole warm with garlic cheesy bread on the side.
  • Add a crisp green salad for a lighter complement to this hearty dish.

Storage and Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed through.

Enjoy this easy, comforting casserole that’s sure to be a family favorite! 🥘🍞✨

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