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Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort Meal

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A comforting and creamy chicken and rice casserole that combines tender chicken, velvety cream cheese sauce, and fluffy rice baked to golden perfection. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450g)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (180g)
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth (600ml)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (115g)
  • 1 cup milk, whole or 2% (240ml)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas (150g)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100g)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (30g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Pat dry the chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside to rest.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in the rice, coating it in the butter and onion mixture. Pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring well.
  5. Cut softened cream cheese into chunks and add to the skillet. Stir continuously until cream cheese melts and blends into the liquid, creating a smooth, creamy base. Add dried thyme if using.
  6. Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and fold into the creamy rice mixture along with frozen peas. Stir gently to combine evenly.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until rice is tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use softened cream cheese for smooth sauce. If rice is undercooked after baking, cover with foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes with a splash of broth or water. For a gluten-free option, verify broth and cheese labels. Brown rice can be used but requires longer cooking time and more liquid. Let casserole rest before serving for better texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken casserole, chicken and rice casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy casserole, baked chicken rice

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/creamy-chicken-and-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-meal/