Best 2 Homey Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipes

Indulge in the comforting warmth of homey chicken and rice casserole, a classic dish that weaves together tender chicken, fluffy rice, savory vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all enveloped in a golden-brown crust. This hearty casserole not only satisfies your taste buds but also fills your home with an inviting aroma. With variations ranging from classic to cheesy to Mexican-inspired, this versatile dish offers something for every palate. Whether you prefer the simplicity of the traditional recipe or crave a more decadent experience, these recipes will guide you in creating a casserole that will become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a culinary journey that promises comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CHICKEN AND RICE CASSEROLE

Chicken and Rice Casserole image

Everyone loves this dish-I consider it the best chicken and rice casserole recipe because it's a tasty combination of hearty and crunchy ingredients mixed in a creamy sauce. It's a time-tested classic. -Myrtle Matthews, Marietta, Georgia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h15m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

4 cups cooked white rice or a combination of wild and white rice
4 cups diced cooked chicken
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 small onion, chopped
1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas, thawed
3/4 cup chopped celery
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups crushed potato chips
Paprika

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a greased 13x9-in. baking dish, combine first 7 ingredients. In a large bowl, combine soups, mayonnaise, lemon juice and salt. Pour over chicken mixture and toss to coat., Sprinkle with potato chips and paprika. Bake until heated through, about 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 439 calories, Fat 26g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 51mg cholesterol, Sodium 804mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 19g protein.

CHICKEN AND RICE CASSEROLE

Chicken and Rice Casserole image

This old-fashioned Chicken and Rice Casserole comes together in just 10 minutes!

Provided by Blair Lonergan

Categories Dinner

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

3 cups cooked, diced chicken
3 cups cooked rice
¾ cup mayonnaise
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup, NOT diluted (or use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup)
1 cup chicken broth
1 small onion, diced
1 cup diced celery
½ cup slivered or sliced almonds
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, coarsely crushed (about 30 crackers or 1 ½ cups crumbs)
4 tablespoons butter, melted

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
In a large bowl, stir together chicken, rice, mayonnaise, condensed soup, chicken broth, onion, celery and almonds. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, stir together Ritz cracker crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over top of the casserole.
Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes (or until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top).

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 /8 of the casserole, Calories 366.6 kcal, Carbohydrate 31.6 g, Protein 16.5 g, Fat 19.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.7 g, Cholesterol 54.6 mg, Sodium 657.3 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 2.1 g, UnsaturatedFat 9.7 g

Tips:

Use day-old rice: Day-old rice is less likely to be mushy in the casserole.
Cook the chicken thoroughly: Make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding it to the casserole.
Use a variety of vegetables: Feel free to add any vegetables you like to the casserole. Some good options include carrots, celery, peas, and broccoli.
Use a flavorful cheese: A good melting cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, will help to bind the casserole together and give it a delicious flavor.
Top the casserole with bread crumbs: Bread crumbs will help to give the casserole a crispy topping.

Conclusion:

This homey chicken and rice casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken and rice. With its simple ingredients and comforting flavor, this casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.