Savory Chicken Rice Delight

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Craving a comforting, one-dish meal that brings a touch of homestyle goodness? Look no further than this Savory Chicken Rice Delight. It's a simple, satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, creamy mushroom soup, and hearty rice, topped off with a cheesy finish. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

Ingredients for Savory Chicken Rice Delight

Cooked white rice forms the hearty base of this dish, absorbing the flavors beautifully. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein, becoming juicy and tender as they cook. Cream of mushroom soup creates a creamy, savory sauce that ties everything together. Chicken broth enhances the flavor and keeps the dish moist. Shredded cheddar cheese adds a rich, cheesy topping that melts to perfection. Onion and garlic offer a fragrant, flavorful base, while frozen peas and carrots bring a touch of sweetness and color. Olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics, adding a subtle richness. Seasonings like salt, pepper, dried thyme, and paprika enhance and balance the dish's flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use leftover rice from the day before to save time and add extra flavor.
  • If you prefer a bit of crunch, add breadcrumbs on top before baking.
  • Feel free to substitute with brown rice for a healthier twist.
  • Experiment with spices. A dash of cayenne can add a spicy kick if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Monterey Jack or mozzarella would work well for a milder taste.
Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade mushroom sauce if you prefer.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it in advance and refrigerate. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.

Savory Chicken Rice Delight Recipe Walkthrough

First, set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). While that's warming up, grab a large skillet and heat up some olive oil over medium. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté them until they're soft and translucent. This should take about five minutes.

Next, add your chicken breasts to the skillet. Season them generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook the chicken until it's browned on both sides. This should take around ten minutes total. Once done, remove the chicken and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked rice with the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, peas and carrots, and half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well to make sure everything is evenly mixed. Then, fold in those chicken pieces you just prepared.

Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and pop it into the oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to get the cheese bubbly and golden.

Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before you dig in. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy schedules.
  • The creamy mushroom sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken.
  • It's a versatile dish that can be adapted with different veggies or spices.
  • Makes great leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked white rice
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp paprika

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
3. Add chicken breasts to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook until browned on both sides, about 10 minutes.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and cut into bite-sized pieces.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, peas and carrots, and half of the shredded cheese.
6. Fold in the chicken pieces into the rice mixture.
7. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
8. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

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