Best Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe Ever!

If you’re looking for a delicious, hearty casserole that’s sure to please everyone at the table, look no further than this recipe for the best chicken and rice casserole ever! I’ve been making this dish for years, and it never fails to hit the spot. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful rice, and creamy sauce is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s so easy to make that even novice cooks can succeed in creating a masterpiece.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 into 1 1/2 inch pieces, patted dry
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup dry sherry or white wine

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Heat olive oil in large sauté pan over medium high or high heat. Season chicken all over with salt and pepper, then brown in batches on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per batch. Remove to bowl and set aside.
• Lower heat to medium and add onions, cooking until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds more, then remove to 9×13-inch casserole dish.
• Raise heat back to medium-high and add mushrooms; dry sauté until lightly browned and releasing moisture, then add to casserole dish.
• Pour sherry into pan (1/4 cup) to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of pan; let reduce by half (about 1 tablespoon), then add chicken stock before removing from heat altogether.
• Stir in salt (1 1/2 teaspoons), cream, and sour cream; pour over uncooked rice in a casserole dish. Add Italian & poultry seasonings (or fresh herbs) as well as paprika; stir ingredients evenly throughout the dish before adding chicken pieces on top in a single layer.

Do you have to cook rice before putting it in a casserole?

One of the great things about casseroles is that they are usually pretty easy to make. One of the questions we get asked a lot, though, is whether or not you need to cook rice before adding it to a casserole dish. The answer is no! Instant or converted rice will cook quickly in the casserole, within 30-40 minutes. So don’t stress about pre-cooking the rice – just add it to the dish and let it do its thing.

How long does rice take to cook in a casserole?

cooking time for rice in a casserole largely depends on the type of rice you use. Converted or instant rice will cook very quickly, usually within 30 to 40 minutes. Traditional white rice will take slightly longer, at 50 to 60 minutes. Brown rice, meanwhile, will take even longer – typically around 80 minutes. So if you’re using brown rice in your casserole, be sure to factor in that extra cooking time.

How to make the best chicken and rice casserole recipe ever!

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• In a large pot, cook chicken and rice until both are fully cooked.
• Mix together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded cheese in a bowl. Add the chicken and rice to the mixture and stir until coated.

Tips for making chicken and rice less boring.

• Use chicken or vegetable broth to cook the rice instead of water. This will add extra flavor.
• Season the rice with what you are cooking it with. This could include salt, pepper, and garlic.
• Try different seasonings and flavors to liven up plain steamed rice. Some options include chili powder, cumin, and paprika.

What do you serve with chicken casserole?

When it comes to side dishes, there are many different options that can be paired with chicken casserole. Some light and healthy sides include salads, roasted vegetables, and pasta dishes. These options are just a few of the endless possibilities when it comes to creating a complete meal with chicken casserole as the main dish. No matter what your preference is, there is sure to be a side dish that will perfectly compliment your chicken casserole.