Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole!!
This recipe is super easy and perfect for those with limited time to prep or those with chronic illness that can’t spend too much time on their feet!! Actual prep time amounts to only about 5-15 minutes. Bake time is about 2 hrs.
Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole!!
1 can cream of chicken soup (with herbs)
1 can cream of mushroom soup with roasted garlic
3 cups water
1 1/2 cups long grain white rice (we used jasmine)
1 lb chicken (canned, frozen, rotisserie etc)
2 cups of cheese of choice (I used Monterey Jack)
1 can green beans (drained)
1 can mushrooms (drained)
1 packet of onion soup mix. (We used onion and mushroom)
1-2 cups of French fried onions
Seasonings of choice (we used smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, truffle salt, pepper (pink, black and white, and green onions)
Mix all in a bowl with only half of the cheese and fried onions. Save them for later. Pour into greased baking pan.
Set oven to 400F and bake for 90 minutes. At 90 minutes, take it out and check the rice. If the rice isn’t finished and the casserole looks dry, add 1/4-1/2 cup water, mix it in and put it back in COVERED for 20-30 minutes.
When rice is finished, uncover casserole, take the cheese and fried onions and top the casserole and put back in UNCOVERED for 10-15 minutes. Then remove from the oven, and serve. Let it cool prior to eating (it is VERY HOT).
#easymeal #chronicillness #simplerecipe #fibromyalgia #simple
If you're looking for an easy, nourishing meal that requires minimal prep time and is gentle for those with limited energy, this chicken and rice casserole fits the bill perfectly. With only about 5 to 15 minutes of active prep and a simple list of pantry staples like cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup with roasted garlic, and jasmine rice, you can create a comforting dish that bakes low and slow for approximately two hours. This slow baking not only allows the rice to soak up the rich creamy flavors but also tenderizes the chicken and melds the savory seasonings together. Using a mix of canned and fresh or leftover chicken provides flexibility depending on what you have on hand, whether it's rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or frozen breast meat. Incorporating ingredients like green beans and mushrooms adds texture and nutrition without extra effort. The use of onion soup mix imparts an umami depth, while seasonings such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and various peppers bring warmth and complexity. One great tip is to save half of the cheese and French fried onions to sprinkle on top near the end of cooking. This finishing step creates a delightful golden crust and crispy texture contrast to the creamy casserole beneath. The recipe instructions advise checking on the rice midway; if it’s not fully cooked or the mixture looks dry, adding a splash of water and covering the dish allows for perfect rice absorption. This casserole is especially suited for people managing chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia or those who find standing and cooking for extended periods challenging. Because the dish cooks mostly unattended in the oven and relies on simple mixing, it reduces exertion but still delivers a hearty, flavorful meal. Overall, this easy chicken and rice casserole exemplifies a comforting, practical, and crowd-pleasing recipe that can be adapted with your preferred cheese or seasonings, making it a versatile addition to your weeknight rotation or meal prep routine.