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Easy Budget-Friendly Chicken and Rice Casserole

easy budget-friendly chicken and rice casserole - featured image
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A practical, satisfying casserole using leftover chicken, rice, and simple pantry ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (about 10.5 oz / 450g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced (leftover rotisserie works great)
  • 1 cup (about 6.7 oz / 190g) uncooked long grain white rice
  • 2 ½ cups (20 fl oz / 600ml) chicken broth
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 298g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup (4 fl oz / 120ml) milk, whole or 2%
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (about 5.3 oz / 150g) frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
  • 1 cup (4 oz / 115g) shredded cheddar cheese, sharp or mild
  • 2 tablespoons (1 oz / 30g) butter, melted
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, chicken broth, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, melted butter, chopped onion, minced garlic, and dried herbs if using. Stir until evenly mixed.
  3. Fold in shredded cooked chicken and frozen mixed vegetables, distributing evenly.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, being mindful of salt content in broth and soup.
  5. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading evenly.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  7. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and prevent cheese from burning.
  8. Bake for 40-45 minutes. At 40 minutes, remove foil and check rice tenderness with a fork; if cheese is not browned enough, broil for 2-3 minutes watching carefully.
  9. Let casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow rice to absorb remaining liquid.
  10. Serve warm, optionally with a green salad or steamed vegetables.

Notes

Use leftover rotisserie chicken for best results. Covering with foil traps steam and keeps casserole moist. If rice tends to dry out, add an extra ¼ cup broth next time. Stirring halfway through baking is optional. Can prep mixture the night before and bake fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, rice casserole, budget-friendly, easy dinner, family meal, comfort food, cheesy casserole

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/easy-budget-friendly-chicken-and-rice-casserole-recipe-for-perfect-family-meals/