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:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 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.
- Cook Rice:
- Cook the white rice according to the package instructions. Set aside.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- In a skillet, sauté the chopped celery, onion, and minced garlic in a bit of oil until they are softened.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Optional Cheese Topping:
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole for added richness.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- 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!