Description
This Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken breasts baked atop a creamy blend of soups and rice, seasoned with flavorful onion soup mix, this casserole delivers hearty flavors with minimal effort and cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
Rice & Soup Mixture
- 2 cups Minute Rice (white or brown)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can water (use the empty soup can to measure)
Seasoning & Miscellaneous
- 1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly with the butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Mix Rice and Soups: In a large bowl, combine the Minute Rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and water from the soup can. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Pour Mixture into Dish: Pour the rice and soup mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to an even layer.
- Add Chicken: Arrange the boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly on top of the rice and soup mixture. Make sure the chicken pieces are spaced out for even cooking.
- Season: Sprinkle the Lipton Onion Soup Mix evenly over the chicken breasts to add a flavorful seasoning layer.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1½ hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, uncover, and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set slightly for easier serving.
Notes
- Using Minute Rice ensures the rice cooks perfectly along with the chicken without becoming mushy.
- You can substitute the creams of mushroom and chicken soups with homemade condensed versions for a fresher taste.
- If you prefer a thicker casserole, reduce the water slightly or add a bit more soup.
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Brown rice will increase cooking time slightly and add a nuttier flavor.
- To add veggies, some chopped onions or mushrooms can be mixed into the rice mixture before baking.
