Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole Without Cream Of Chicken Soup
If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that's also delicious and satisfying, then this cheesy chicken and rice casserole is definitely worth a try! Best of all, it doesn't require any cream of chicken soup, making it a healthier option that's still just as creamy and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For the chicken, you can use leftover cooked chicken or cook it fresh. If cooking fresh, simply sauté the chicken pieces in a bit of oil until cooked through.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the rice according to package instructions, but substitute 2 cups of chicken broth for 2 cups of water.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked chicken, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
This cheesy chicken and rice casserole can be served as a main dish or as a side dish, and it's perfect for feeding a crowd. It's also a great recipe to make ahead of time and then just pop in the oven when you're ready to eat.
Variations
There are many ways to customize this cheesy chicken and rice casserole to suit your taste preferences:
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option.
- Add in your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, peas, or corn.
- Substitute the cheddar cheese for another type of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
- Top the casserole with breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Feel free to experiment with different variations until you find your favorite combination!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this cheesy chicken and rice casserole is a delicious and easy recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights or for feeding a crowd. It's also a healthier option since it doesn't require any cream of chicken soup. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a creamy and flavorful dish that everyone will love!