Description
This Elegant Christmas Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and festive dish perfect for holiday dinners. Tender chicken breasts are baked with creamy cheddar cheese, fluffy rice, and savory onion soup mix, creating a rich and flavorful one-pan meal that pleases the whole family. The combination of cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk makes the casserole moist and cheesy, while fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice & Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Chicken
- 3 uncooked chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces each) or homemade cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
Seasoning
- 3 Tablespoons onion soup mix or 1 packet dry Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- 1 Tablespoon fresh minced parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Rice Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked long grain white rice, condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, onion soup mix, minced parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the rice mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form the base layer.
- Add Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise, on top of the rice mixture in a single layer for even cooking.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken and rice mixture, coating the top layer generously.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to set before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade version for a fresher taste.
- For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium chicken broth and reduced-sodium soup if available.
- Ensure chicken breasts are fully cooked by checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding vegetables like peas or diced carrots can boost nutrition and add color.
Keywords: Christmas casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, chicken and rice, holiday casserole, baked chicken, comfort food, easy dinner