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Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

This comforting Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is an easy-to-make, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Combining tender chicken breasts, creamy soups, flavorful onion soup mix, and cheesy rice, it bakes to perfection in one dish, delivering a satisfying, creamy, and cheesy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1½ cups long grain white rice
  • 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken or mushroom soup
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 envelope (1 oz) onion soup mix (or homemade equivalent)
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  2. Mix Base Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the long grain white rice, cream of chicken or mushroom soups, milk, water, and the onion soup mix. Stir until all ingredients are blended well, forming a smooth, creamy mixture.
  3. Add Cheese and Place Chicken: Pour half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture and stir gently to distribute. Pour this entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Nestle the boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) on top of the rice-soy mixture. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
  5. Add Remaining Cheese: Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken and rice surface. Return to the oven uncovered for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
  6. Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps the casserole to set and makes serving easier. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute cream of mushroom soup if you prefer a milder flavor over cream of chicken.
  • Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, or breasts for leaner protein.
  • For a homemade onion soup mix, combine dried minced onion, dried parsley, beef or chicken bouillon powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  • Ensure the casserole is covered tightly during baking to keep the chicken moist and rice tender.
  • This recipe can easily be doubled for larger families or gatherings.
  • Letting the casserole rest after baking helps to firm up the texture for easy slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pioneer Woman, chicken rice casserole, easy casserole, baked chicken, comfort food, one-dish meal

Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/pioneer-woman-chicken-rice-casserole-recipe/