Ultimate Chicken Casserole
Creamy, comforting, and packed with juicy chicken and cheesy goodness, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights.
Servings: 6 servings
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Seasoned with salt and pepper
- 1 cup White rice Uncooked
- 2 cups Chicken broth Room temperature
- 1 cup Milk Room temperature
- 1 can Condensed cream of chicken soup Undiluted
- 1 can Condensed cream of mushroom soup Undiluted
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese Divided
- 1 cup Frozen peas and carrots Thawed
- 1 medium Onion Finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Melted butter
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Chopped fresh parsley Optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. This casserole freezes well.