Description
A creamy, cheesy, and hearty casserole that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a heavenly blend of cheeses—all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 295 g) cream of chicken soup
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil or butter. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir for 1–2 minutes to coat it with the oil. Pour in the chicken broth, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer and turn off the heat.
- Spread the rice mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish and arrange the chicken pieces over the rice.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top, and bake uncovered for another 5–7 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Let sit for a few minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
For a lighter option, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms and add extra vegetables. For a spicy kick, incorporate diced jalapeños into the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: casserole, chicken, creamy, cheesy, comfort food