Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe
A comforting and easy one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts baked atop a creamy mixture of instant rice, cream of chicken and mushroom soups, with optional vegetables and cheese for added flavor and nutrition.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups instant rice (white or brown)
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- 1 can (about 10 oz) water (to mix with soups and rice)
Optional Add-ins
- Shredded cheddar cheese, as desired
- Frozen mixed vegetables, as desired
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Soups and Rice: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and water. Stir in the uncooked instant rice until everything is evenly mixed.
- Transfer Mixture to Dish: Pour the creamy rice mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out smoothly.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If using, gently fold in frozen mixed vegetables or sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the rice mixture to enhance flavor and nutrition.
- Place Chicken and Season: Lay the raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle the entire dish with the onion soup mix to add savory seasoning.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes without lifting the foil to ensure even cooking.
- Check Doneness and Rest: After baking, check the internal temperature of the chicken to confirm it has reached 165°F (75°C) for food safety. Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving to let the flavors settle.
Notes
- Use white or brown instant rice based on your preference; brown rice will add more fiber but might slightly alter cooking time.
- Do not lift the foil while baking to keep the chicken moist and the rice tender.
- Frozen mixed vegetables such as peas, carrots, and corn can be added to increase vegetable intake.
- To add richness, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese before baking or during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Keywords: chicken casserole, easy chicken and rice, baked chicken dinner, creamy chicken rice bake, one-dish chicken meal