Really good! My mother has told me many times that I have to do this again and I will not hesitate!

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked and have a golden-brown crust. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly before cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Rice: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice according to the package instructions. If you’re using white rice, it usually takes about 15-20 minutes to cook. For brown rice, it will take a bit longer—around 30-40 minutes—so keep that in mind when planning your timing.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step helps infuse the dish with extra flavor.
4. Mix the Casserole Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onions and garlic, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. Then, fold in the cooked chicken pieces, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the rice and chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that it’s all level. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top for that delicious melty, cheesy layer.
6. Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Why This Chicken and Rice Casserole is a Family Favorite:

What makes this casserole so irresistibly good? It’s the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors with tender chicken and soft rice. The richness of the cream of chicken soup and sour cream blends together beautifully to create a comforting sauce that envelops every bite. The golden cheese on top adds an extra layer of indulgence, while the seasoning is simple yet flavorful.

This dish is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons:

• Simplicity: With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of dish that’s easy to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
• Versatility: You can switch up the ingredients based on what you have. Add some vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli for an extra boost of nutrition. You can even substitute the chicken with turkey or a meat alternative to suit your preferences.
• Comforting: There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty casserole. It’s a complete meal in one dish, making it perfect for busy nights or when you want something filling and satisfying.

Tips for Success:

• Make it ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge, then just pop it in the oven the next day for a quick and easy dinner.
• Customize the flavors: Add some spices like cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning if you like a little more kick or want to switch up the flavor profile.
• Keep it moist: If you feel the casserole is getting too dry while baking, you can add a bit more chicken broth to keep it moist and creamy.

Conclusion:

This homemade chicken and rice casserole is one of those dishes that everyone will remember. It’s simple, comforting, and downright delicious, making it the perfect go-to recipe for busy nights or family gatherings. Just like my mom, you’ll find yourself eagerly anticipating the next time you get to make it. Once you make this casserole, I promise you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation. Don’t hesitate—go ahead and try it out, because everyone will be asking for more!