7. Serve
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Cut the chicken into slices and serve it with the fluffy rice and creamy sauce. Enjoy!
Cooking Notes
Chicken: You can use bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time by about 15-20 minutes, as bone-in chicken takes longer to cook.
Rice: This recipe calls for long-grain white rice. Do not use instant rice, as it will not cook properly in the casserole. You can also swap out the rice for quinoa or another grain if you prefer.
Cream of Chicken Soup: If you prefer a homemade option, you can make your own cream of chicken soup using heavy cream, chicken broth, and a little flour. Alternatively, you can use a lower-fat or healthier version of cream of chicken soup.
Variations
Veggie Version: Add in your favorite vegetables to make this casserole more hearty. Frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli would all work great.
Cheesy Chicken Casserole: For extra cheesiness, stir 1/2 cup of shredded cheese into the sauce before pouring it over the chicken, or use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan for extra flavor.
Spicy Version: Add a bit of heat by incorporating some crushed red pepper flakes, a small can of diced green chilies, or a drizzle of hot sauce into the sauce mixture.
Herb-Infused Rice: For a flavor boost, mix some dried rosemary, basil, or parsley into the rice before adding the sauce for extra herbiness.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
To make this dish keto-friendly or low-carb, follow these simple substitutions:
Rice Substitution: Instead of rice, use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You may need to adjust the cooking time as cauliflower rice cooks more quickly than traditional rice.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Use a homemade, low-carb version of cream of chicken soup by blending heavy cream, chicken stock, and some xanthan gum to thicken it.
Add Veggies: Add low-carb vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or broccoli in place of rice for added texture and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes. Be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
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