Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole: A Comforting Classic
Hey there, fellow foodies! If you're looking for a dish that's sure to become a family favorite, you're in the right place. This creamy chicken rice casserole is a game-changer - it's easy to make, ridiculously delicious, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Here's What You'll Need:
- 3 cups of chicken broth (you can use low-sodium if you're watching your salt intake)
- 2 cans of cream of celery soup (10.5 oz each)
- 1/4 cup of melted butter (because, well, everything's better with butter, right?)
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 cups of uncooked white rice
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese (the sharper, the better!)
Now, Let's Get Cooking:
1. Preheat Your Oven: Fire up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside - we'll be using it soon.
2. Mix It Up: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of celery soup, and melted butter until smooth. Add the rice, chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil - we don't want any moisture escaping!
4. Bake to Perfection: Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for about 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the chicken is tender.
5. Add the Finishing Touches: Remove the foil and sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Let It Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set.
The Result: A creamy, comforting casserole that's sure to become a staple in your household. The combination of chicken, rice, and cheddar cheese is a match made in heaven, and the best part? It's incredibly easy to make! So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the ooey-gooey cheesy goodness.