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Creamy Mushroom Chicken & Rice Casserole: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Families

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 10 reviews

This creamy mushroom chicken and rice casserole combines tender chicken, flavorful mushrooms, and perfectly cooked rice in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice

  • 2 cups uncooked rice (white or brown)

Chicken & Vegetables

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms (fresh or canned)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Dairy

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Seasonings & Oil

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole later.
  2. Prepare the Rice: Cook the rice following the package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside to cool slightly while preparing other ingredients.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté the Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms soften and release their moisture.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the cooked rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so all ingredients are evenly combined.
  6. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
  7. Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture to create a gooey, cheesy crust when baked.
  8. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown on top.
  9. Garnish: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for added color and freshness.

Notes

  • You can use either white or brown rice depending on your preference; brown rice will require slightly longer cooking time.
  • Fresh mushrooms will provide a better texture and flavor, but canned mushrooms work well in a pinch.
  • Feel free to swap cheddar with mozzarella or your favorite melting cheese for variation.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower fat cream alternative.
  • Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before combining to avoid undercooked meat.
  • This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, mushroom chicken rice casserole, creamy chicken casserole, family dinner recipes, comfort food

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/pour-the-mixture-into-a-greased-913-inch-casserole-dish-recipe/