There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of chicken and rice baking in the oven. I can still remember coming home from school, the aroma wafting through the house, and feeling instantly at ease. My Grandma Georgia used to whip up this magic on chilly evenings, when we craved something hearty and fulfilling. This Chicken and Rice Casserole was not just a meal; it was a hug in a dish. If you’ve ever wanted to experience that homey vibe, you’re in the right place!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Weeknight Dinner: Whip it up in just a few steps—perfect for busy evenings.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Comforting Flavors: Rich, savory goodness that wraps you in warmth.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist this creamy, cheesy casserole!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious casserole:

• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best)
• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup cream of chicken soup (or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds a delightful punch!)
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (cook them right in the casserole!)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (because cheese is life!)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Panko breadcrumbs (for that perfect topping crunch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, friends, let’s get cooking!

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that our casserole bakes evenly and comes out beautifully golden.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. The smell is already divine!
3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions and garlic with the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, shredded chicken, frozen peas and carrots, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything until well combined. The texture should be creamy and comforting!
4. Add the Rice: Gently fold in the uncooked rice. Be careful not to overmix—just a couple of folds to ensure the rice is coated with that savory goodness.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and don’t worry if it looks a little full; the rice will expand as it cooks.
6. Top It Off: Sprinkle the cheddar cheese generously over the top, then add a layer of panko breadcrumbs for that crispy finish. A little drizzle of olive oil over the breadcrumbs will help them brown beautifully!
7. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on it; you want that perfect crunch without burning!
8. Let It Rest: Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help everything set up nicely. The aroma will be intoxicating as you wait!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you have the basic recipe down, here are some fun ideas to mix it up:

• Spices Galore: Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a little kick. Or, throw in some Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetable Bonanza: Sneak in some finely chopped bell peppers, or even leftover green beans. The more veggies, the merrier!
• Different Cheese: Swap out cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack if you’re feeling bold. Each cheese will give it a unique twist!
• Diet Swaps: You can make this recipe gluten-free by using brown rice and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may change.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Rice Casserole, I like to keep it cozy and simple. Pair it with a fresh garden salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole. For an extra touch of comfort, warm some garlic bread on the side—it’s the perfect excuse to soak up any extra cheesy goodness left on your plate! And if you’re feeling a little adventurous, a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea can make it feel like a complete homestyle meal. Just imagine gathering around the table, laughter echoing, and everyone enjoying each bite. Pure bliss!

Storage Tips

Leftovers? Yes, please! Here’s how to store your delectable casserole:

• Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! Just make sure it’s cooled completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your casserole again, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If it seems a little dry, just add a splash of chicken broth before reheating. No one likes a dry casserole!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You might need to add a bit more liquid and increase the baking time to ensure it cooks properly.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you want a lighter option, you can use homemade cream of chicken soup or even a can of cream of mushroom soup. You could also make a roux-based sauce if you prefer to skip the canned soup altogether!

Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for a medley of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It’s just as creamy and delicious!

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños or chili powder while mixing in the other ingredients. You can customize the heat level to suit your preferences!

Conclusion

And there you have it—Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Rice Casserole, a dish filled with warmth and nostalgia, perfect for any weeknight dinner or a gathering with loved ones. I hope this recipe brings as much joy and comfort to your home as it did to mine. I can’t wait to hear how your casserole turns out! Feel free to drop a comment below or share your version with me. Happy cooking, friends!

Grandma Georgias Savory Chicken Rice Casserole Delight

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• Author: mery
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Savor Grandma Georgias Chicken Rice Casserole Delight a warming dish packed with flavors that will transport you back to comforting family meals

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 ½ cups long-grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best)

1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken, diced

1 cup cream of chicken soup

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1 cup frozen peas and carrots

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon black pepper

Salt to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Panko breadcrumbs

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onions and sauté until soft.

Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onions, garlic, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, chicken, peas and carrots, thyme, pepper, and salt.

Add the Rice: Gently fold in the uncooked rice.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Top It Off: Sprinkle cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs on top.

Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes.

Let It Rest: Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• minutes: 5-10
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450 calories
• Sugar: 3 grams
• Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 52 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 25 grams

Keywords: chicken casserole, rice casserole, easy dinner, comfort food