Description
This Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender boneless chicken thighs are seasoned and baked with creamy mushroom soup, long-grain rice, and flavorful chicken broth to create a hearty, flavorful casserole with minimal prep and fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4-5 boneless chicken thighs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Casserole Mixture
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish generously to prevent sticking and prepare it for the casserole assembly.
- Season the chicken: Season the boneless chicken thighs with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder thoroughly to infuse flavor. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix rice and soup: In a mixing bowl, combine the uncooked long-grain white rice, cream of mushroom soup, and low-sodium chicken broth until the mixture is well blended and uniform.
- Combine in dish: Pour the rice and soup mixture evenly over the chicken thighs in the baking dish, ensuring the rice is completely submerged under the liquid mixture for proper cooking.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to cook through.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil carefully, then bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the rice is tender.
- Rest before serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to set before serving. This resting time helps the casserole firm up for easier portioning.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tender meat and even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference, adding more herbs if desired.
- For a creamier texture, stir in some shredded cheese before the final baking step.
- Covering the dish with foil while baking traps steam, ensuring the rice cooks thoroughly.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps consolidate juices and flavors.
