Creamy Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a proper comfort food fix? Are you craving something creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying? This chicken and rice casserole no canned soup uses homemade deliciousness! It’s the sort of dinner that turns any weeknight into a cozy night in.
Brief Overview
Chicken and rice casserole is classic American comfort food. It is like a warm hug in a dish. This creamy chicken and rice casserole recipe is quick and easy.
It needs only 35 minutes and serves 6 people .
Main Benefits
This healthy chicken and rice casserole is packed with protein and flavour. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck.
What makes this recipe special? It ditches the canned soup for a fresh, flavorful homemade sauce.
Ready to learn more?
Ditch the Can: A Homemade Chicken and Rice Casserole Adventure
Honestly, who needs canned soup when you can make a chicken and rice casserole without cream of mushroom ? This version is lighter, brighter, and tastes a million times better.
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. It is much better when homemade chicken and rice casserole.
This chicken casserole recipe easy starts with perfectly seasoned chicken. I use garlic powder and Italian seasoning. These add a lovely depth of flavour.
It is browned in olive oil with diced red bell pepper and onion. You know, those aromatics that make your kitchen smell amazing?
Next, stir in cooked rice, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Don’t skimp on the cheese! Use shredded cheddar. This is a cheesy chicken and rice casserole , after all.
Then transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly. Let it rest for five minutes before serving.
Honestly, that's it.
Tips for Casserole Perfection
Don't overcook the chicken! Just brown it. Day-old rice helps prevent a mushy casserole. I always grate my own cheese for the best melt.
If you want a bit of kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. And remember, this is perfect for easy weeknight dinner recipes chicken .
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Casserole Cookin'!
Alright, let's talk about what you need for this creamy cheesy chicken and rice casserole . It's easier than you think.
Trust me, you got this. We're ditching the chicken and rice casserole no canned soup shortcut and making it proper.
It's the chicken casserole recipe easy way, but packed with flavor.
Main Players: The Ingredient Rundown
For the chicken and rice casserole without cream of mushroom , it's all about the freshness.
- Chicken : You need 1 pound (454g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Look for chicken that's pink and firm. Avoid any that looks grey or smells off. Cut it into bite sized pieces.
- Rice : Get 3 cups (720ml) of cooked rice. Day-old rice is best. It stops the casserole from getting mushy.
- Heavy Cream: You'll want 1 cup (240ml) of creamy goodness.
- Cheddar : Grab 2 cups (200g) of shredded cheddar cheese. Seriously, grate it yourself. It melts better!
- Chicken Broth : Only 1/2 cup (120ml) .
- Olive Oil : You are going to need 2 tablespoons (30ml) for cooking the chicken
Seasoning Secrets: Flavour Upgrades
Let's give this cheesy chicken and rice casserole some zing!
- Essential Mix : Garlic powder and Italian seasoning are your friends. I use 2 teaspoons (10ml) of each. Salt ( 1 teaspoon/5ml ) and pepper ( 1/4 teaspoon/1.25ml ) round it out.
- Veggie Power : Dice 1 red bell pepper and 1 medium onion . Mince 2 cloves of garlic . These add a nice sweet and savory note.
- Spice it Up : I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Adds a little kick to the healthy chicken and rice casserole .
The Tool Kit: What You'll Need
No fancy gadgets needed for this one pan chicken and rice casserole .
- Skillet : A large one is essential for cooking the chicken and veggies.
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish : This is your casserole's home.
- Mixing Bowls : For prepping ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups : Accuracy is key, my friend.
Honestly, that's all there is to it! With these ingredients and tools, you are ready to start on this homemade chicken and rice casserole .
It's great for easy weeknight dinner recipes chicken , honestly! The best part about my creamy gluten-free chicken and rice casserole is that it is so delicious!
Let's Talk Chicken and Rice Casserole, Eh?
Alright, so you fancy a creamy chicken and rice casserole recipe ? Forget those dodgy ones with chicken and rice casserole no flavour and definitely chicken and rice casserole no canned soup .
I'm talking real, proper comfort food that tastes like it came from your grandma's kitchen. Seriously though, let's ditch the canned stuff and make a homemade chicken and rice casserole that'll knock your socks off.
This dish is an absolute winner!
Prep Like a Pro
First things first, let's get our mise en place sorted. Chop the chicken into bite sized pieces. Dice up that onion and red pepper.
Mince the garlic. Get the rice cooked day-old rice is ideal. Prepping this way saves so much time later.
Honestly, organisation is key. Make sure your oven gloves are nearby. We don't want any burnt fingers, do we? Safety first, always!
Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step
Here's the lowdown on making this cheesy chicken and rice casserole :
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Grease that baking dish.
- Season chicken with the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper mix.
- Cook the chicken in olive oil until lightly browned.
- Sauté onion and red pepper in the same pan until tender. Add garlic.
- Stir in chicken broth, and heavy cream. Simmer it up a bit.
- Add the cooked rice and chicken back to the pan. Mix it all together.
- Chuck it all into that greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese all over the top. Bake for 15- 20 minutes , until golden and bubbly.
Pro Tips for Casserole Glory
Don't overcook the chicken in the pan, you only need to brown it. Undercook it just slightly, it will finish cooking in the oven.
Day-old rice is your friend. Trust me, it stops it from becoming a mushy mess. Oh, and always grate your own cheese.
Pre-shredded stuff doesn't melt as well. For a healthy chicken and rice casserole , you could use brown rice instead of white, you know? If you are on a search for an easy weeknight dinner recipes chicken , this is it.
Sometimes, I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. It just gives it that extra oomph .
And letting it rest for 5 minutes after baking? Crucial! It sets up nicely and makes serving so much easier.
If you're gluten-free don't worry there's loads of gluten-free chicken and rice casserole recipes.
Enjoy this classic dish. It's a real crowd pleaser!
Recipe Notes
This creamy chicken and rice casserole recipe is a winner! Let’s chat about a few extra bits to make sure your casserole is bangin' .
I mean, seriously good! Also, we will discuss how to make a chicken and rice casserole no canned soup. You will love the homemade taste!
Serving Like a Pro
Fancy a bit of a show? Plating can really elevate a simple dish. Try serving individual portions in ramekins. Sprinkle with extra cheese before baking for that golden, bubbly top.
A sprig of parsley? Chef's kiss!
For sides, a simple green salad cuts through the richness. Or some steamed broccoli. You know, the healthy stuff to balance out the cheese! A crisp glass of white wine would also be a stellar match.
Storage Savvy
Leftovers? Lucky you! They’re still amazing for lunch the next day. Store your cheesy chicken and rice casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing is also an option! Portion it out before freezing. This makes it easy to grab a single serving. Thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Maybe add a little fresh cheese on top, you know, for extra decadence.
Twists and Turns
Want to mix it up? Go for it! For a gluten-free chicken and rice casserole , use gluten-free rice and make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free too. Easy peasy!
Swap out the cheddar for Monterey Jack. Or even add some roasted veggies like mushrooms and zucchini. Seasonal ingredients? Absolutely! Corn in the summer.
Butternut squash in the autumn. You do you! No cream of mushroom needed with this delicious chicken and rice casserole without cream of mushroom .
The sauce is already so creamy!
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Okay, let’s keep it real. This isn’t exactly a health food, is it? But everything in moderation, right? Each serving clocks in around 450 calories .
You get about 30 grams of protein, 25 grams of fat, and 25 grams of carbs.
But hey! Protein is good for building muscle. Plus, cheese is a source of calcium, and you can always add more veggies to make it a healthy chicken and rice casserole .
You can make it a one pan chicken and rice casserole and cut down on clean up!
Honestly, this chicken casserole recipe easy is all about comfort food and it is one of the best easy weeknight dinner recipes chicken .
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. The homemade chicken and rice casserole is like a blank canvas.
Have fun, enjoy the process, and happy cooking. Now go forth and make some casserole magic!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chicken and rice casserole no canned soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Preparing the casserole ahead of time is a great way to save time during the week. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven, so the baking dish doesn't crack from the sudden temperature change.
What are some good substitutions for the cheese in this cheesy chicken and rice casserole?
If you're not a fan of cheddar, or just fancy a change, Monterey Jack or a blend of Gruyere and Swiss would be delicious! For a sharper flavor, try a sharp provolone. You could also add a sprinkle of Parmesan for a salty kick.
Just remember that different cheeses will melt differently, so keep an eye on it in the oven, similar to how you would on the Great British Baking Show!
How do I store leftover cheesy chicken and rice casserole no canned soup?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Adding a splash of chicken broth while reheating can help prevent it from drying out; it's almost like a little spa day for your leftovers!
My chicken and rice casserole no canned soup came out a little dry. What did I do wrong, and how can I prevent it next time?
A dry casserole often means there wasn't enough moisture. Ensure you're using the correct amount of chicken broth and heavy cream as specified in the recipe. Also, overbaking can dry it out, so keep a close eye on it towards the end of the baking time and don't be afraid to pull it out a bit early.
Using day-old rice can also help, as it absorbs moisture better.
Can I freeze this cheesy chicken and rice casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Keep in mind that the texture of the rice and sauce may change slightly after freezing.
What kind of rice is best for chicken and rice casserole no canned soup?
Long grain rice, like basmati or jasmine, works well in this casserole as it holds its shape during baking. Medium grain rice, such as Arborio, can also be used but will result in a creamier texture. Avoid using instant rice, as it tends to become mushy during baking.
Think of it like choosing the right footwear for a hike you want something that's sturdy and reliable!
Creamy Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |