Description
This Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts bake atop a creamy blend of rice and soups, seasoned with Onion Soup Mix for a flavorful twist. With minimal prep and hearty ingredients, this casserole offers a satisfying and creamy dinner solution for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups Minute Rice (white or brown)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can water (use one of the soup cans to measure)
- 1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix (1 oz)
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the dish)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly with the 1 tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking and add richness.
- Mix rice and soups: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of Minute Rice, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 can cream of chicken soup, and 1 can of water. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy mixture.
- Pour mixture into baking dish: Transfer the rice and soup mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out flat to create an even base layer.
- Add chicken breasts: Place the 1½ pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts directly on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish in a single layer. Avoid overlapping for even cooking.
- Sprinkle with onion soup mix: Evenly sprinkle the 1 envelope of Lipton Onion Soup Mix over the chicken breasts to season and add a savory onion flavor throughout the casserole.
- Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture inside and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1½ hours. The chicken should be cooked through and the rice tender and creamy.
- Finish and serve: After baking, remove the foil and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Use either white or brown Minute Rice based on your preference; brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and a bit more texture.
- Using the soup can to measure water ensures consistent liquid content for proper rice cooking.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- If desired, you can add vegetables like peas or carrots to the rice mixture for extra nutrition and color.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before eating.
