Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

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Creamy chicken and rice casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that’s easy to make. Here’s a basic recipe for you:

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
  • 2 cups white rice, cooked
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare Chicken:
    • Cook the chicken if it’s not already cooked. You can bake, grill, or boil the chicken breasts or thighs. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Cook Rice:
    • Cook the white rice according to the package instructions. Set aside.
  4. Prepare Vegetables:
    • In a skillet, sauté the chopped celery, onion, and minced garlic in a bit of oil until they are softened.
  5. Make the Cream Sauce:
    • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
    • Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
    • Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
    • Cook the mixture until it thickens, usually about 5-7 minutes.
    • Season the sauce with dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  6. Combine Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, and frozen peas and carrots mix.
    • Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice mixture. Stir until well combined.
  7. Assemble the Casserole:
    • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  8. Optional Cheese Topping:
    • If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole for added richness.
  9. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
  10. Serve:
    • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

This creamy chicken and rice casserole is a complete and satisfying meal. Feel free to customize it by adding other vegetables or herbs to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy!

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