Creamy Garlic Chicken Rice Casserole

This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that beautifully blends the bold flavors of garlic Parmesan soup with the hearty essence of chili mac. Featuring tender chicken and rice in a cheesy, savory sauce, it’s a soul-warming meal perfect for any night of the week.

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This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich and indulgent experience. The combination of melted mozzarella and Parmesan creates a golden crust that perfectly complements the soft, flavorful rice underneath.

Ingredients

• Meats: 2 cups (about 300 g) cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• Rice: 1 1/2 cups (285 g) uncooked long-grain white rice and 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• Vegetables: 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 red bell pepper (diced), and 1 cup (150 g) frozen corn (optional)
• Dairy & Cheese: 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) condensed cream of garlic or garlic Parmesan soup, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 1 cup (100 g) shredded Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup (115 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Spices & Seasonings: 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste), and 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in the uncooked rice, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring to coat the rice with spices.

Step 4

Transfer the onion-rice mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Add the cooked chicken, corn (if using), and mix well.

Step 5

In a bowl, whisk together garlic Parmesan soup, chicken broth, and milk until smooth. Pour over the casserole ingredients and stir gently to combine.

Step 6

Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 7

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 8

Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Always ensure the casserole dish is covered tightly with foil for the first 35 minutes of baking. This traps the steam required to cook the rice properly while keeping the chicken juicy. Whisking the soup, broth, and milk thoroughly before adding them ensures a smooth, even consistency throughout the dish.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If garlic Parmesan soup is unavailable, use cream of chicken soup plus 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. For those who enjoy extra heat, add one finely chopped jalapeño to the skillet when sautéing the vegetables.

Serviervorschläge

This hearty casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed broccoli to provide a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy flavors of the garlic and Parmesan sauce.

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Enjoy this warm and inviting Creamy Garlic Chicken & Rice Casserole. It's a reliable recipe that's sure to become a new staple in your weeknight dinner rotation, offering maximum comfort with minimal effort.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use uncooked chicken in this casserole?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Use raw chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces and increase covered baking time to 45-50 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches 165°F internally.

→ What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is ideal as it maintains texture during baking. Brown rice requires additional liquid and about 20 minutes more cooking time.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate covered, and bake when ready. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Freeze before baking by wrapping tightly in foil and plastic for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

→ What can I substitute for the condensed soup?

Mix cream of chicken soup with 2 cloves minced garlic and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. For a homemade version, combine 1 cup milk, 2 tablespoons butter, and 2 tablespoons flour whisked until thickened.