Imagine a warm, hearty meal that combines the rich, creamy goodness of mushroom soup with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice - a dish that promises to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience! This Mushroom Soup Chicken Rice Casserole is not just a recipe; it's a comfort food masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this one-dish wonder is about to become your new go-to meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Slice the fresh mushrooms into thin, uniform pieces. Chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized segments.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and broccoli florets to the chicken and rice mixture. Sprinkle in the onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and ensure even cooking.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to allow the top to become slightly golden and crisp.
- Check the casserole's doneness by ensuring the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed. The chicken should be heated through and the vegetables tender.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. The casserole pairs well with a simple side salad.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken or seasoning your chicken with herbs before shredding.
- Use fresh mushrooms for a more robust taste and better texture compared to canned varieties.
- If you prefer a crispy top, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or shredded cheese during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Ensure your rice is evenly distributed to guarantee consistent cooking throughout the casserole.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set properly.
- For a healthier version, substitute cream of mushroom soup with a homemade cream sauce or use low-sodium broth.
- Experiment with additional vegetables like carrots or peas to add more nutrition and color to your casserole.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 65mg
