A delightful chicken casserole perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time1 hourhr
Total Time1 hourhr15 minutesmins
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Comfort Food
Servings: 6servings
Calories: 200kcal
Equipment
9x13 inch Baking Dish
Skillet
Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
For the Casserole
4piecesboneless, skinless chicken breasts
1cupwhite rice, uncooked
2cupschicken broth
1cupmilk
1can (10.5 oz)condensed cream of chicken soup
1can (10.5 oz)condensed cream of mushroom soup
1cupshredded cheddar cheese
1cupfrozen peas and carrots, thawed
1mediumonion, finely chopped
2clovesgarlic, minced
1teaspoondried thyme
1teaspoondried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping
1cupbreadcrumbs
2tablespoonsmelted butter
1/4cupgrated Parmesan cheese
1tablespoonchopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and basil. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts until they are golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, milk, cream of chicken soup, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir in the sautéed onions and garlic, thawed peas and carrots, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to combine.
Step 5: Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the chicken and rice.
Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
Step 7: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 8: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 9: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Step 10: Serve this ultimate chicken casserole hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this comforting and delicious meal with your family and friends.
Notes
Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference. Broccoli, bell peppers, and green beans work well in this casserole.