Description
Homemade chicken and rice casserole delivers comfort from classic American kitchens with hearty ingredients. Simple preparation creates a satisfying meal families will eagerly enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups chopped store-bought rotisserie chicken
Rice:
- 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 10.5 ounces (296 grams) cream of celery soup
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup chicken stock (or broth)
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coat an 11×7-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Create the casserole base by combining shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of celery soup, mayonnaise, chicken stock, and finely diced onion in a large mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Prepare the crispy topping by mixing bread crumbs with melted butter in a separate small bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Generously distribute the buttered bread crumb mixture across the top of the chicken and rice layer, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and bubbling edges that indicate the dish is thoroughly heated.
- Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and a touch of fresh flavor before serving hot.
Notes
- Swap cream of celery soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher, preservative-free alternative that boosts flavor and nutrition.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra depth to the casserole’s taste profile.
- Toast bread crumbs separately for extra crunchiness before adding to the topping, ensuring a perfectly crispy golden-brown texture.
- Consider gluten-free options by using gluten-free bread crumbs and cream soup substitute, making the dish accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg