Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines the perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and hearty rice? Look no further! This Chicken n Cheese Casserole is about to become your new go-to comfort food that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece that's not just a meal, but a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner sensation.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup of cooked rice
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup of frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Add the shredded cheese, frozen peas, and onion powder to the mixture. Stir until the cheese is well distributed and the peas are evenly incorporated.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking.
- Pour the chicken and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during the initial cooking phase.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set up a bit.
- Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Chicken n Cheese Casserole with your favorite side salad or bread!
Tips
- Use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken for extra flavor depth
- Ensure your rice is slightly undercooked to prevent mushiness during baking
- For a crispy top, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or extra cheese in the last 10 minutes of baking
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier
- For added nutrition, experiment with different frozen vegetables like carrots or broccoli
- Make sure to mix ingredients thoroughly to distribute cheese and seasonings evenly
- If you prefer a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 80mg
