Chicken And Rice Casserole Without Cream Of Chicken Soup
Chicken and rice casserole is a classic dish that's perfect for family dinners and potlucks. However, many recipes call for cream of chicken soup, which can be high in sodium and unhealthy. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you're in luck! In this article, we'll show you how to make a delicious chicken and rice casserole without cream of chicken soup. This recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.
Ingredients
Before we get started, let's gather the ingredients for this recipe. You'll need:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups of chicken broth (low-sodium, if possible)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Now that we have all the ingredients, let's start cooking!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in the frozen peas and carrots and cooked chicken. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Variations
This chicken and rice casserole recipe is versatile and can be customized to your liking. Here are some variations you can try:
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option.
- Swap the frozen peas and carrots for other vegetables, such as broccoli or corn.
- Add some spice by including diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips or bread crumbs for extra crunch.
Conclusion
Chicken and rice casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. By making it without cream of chicken soup, you can enjoy a healthier version of this classic recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make a delicious and nutritious meal that your whole family will love!