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Homemade Comfort Chicken and Rice Casserole photo

Comfort Chicken and Rice Casserole

This Comfort Chicken and Rice Casserole is pure warmth and homestyle satisfaction with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a cheesy, savory turkey bacon topping.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Casserole, Chicken, Comfort Food, Easy, Rice
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Onion diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 6 slices Turkey Bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup Long-Grain Rice uncooked
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth
  • 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup 10.5 oz can
  • 1 cup Frozen Mixed Vegetables
  • 2 cups Cooked Chicken shredded
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Instructions

Cook the Turkey Bacon and Aromatics

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the aromatics from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, cook the turkey bacon until crisp. Remove and crumble it into small pieces.

Combine the Base Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked long-grain rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sautéed onion and garlic, mixed frozen vegetables, shredded cooked chicken, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.

Assemble the Casserole

  • Transfer the mixture into your prepared 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the crumbled turkey bacon evenly over the top, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake the Casserole

  • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes uncovered to allow the cheese to turn golden and bubbly.

Rest and Serve

  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help flavors meld and make it easier to portion. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal!

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons
  • Baking dish (9x13 inch)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Aluminum foil

Notes

  • Make the casserole ahead and refrigerate before baking to save time on busy days.
  • Substitute chicken with turkey or plant-based proteins for variety.
  • Use fresh seasonal vegetables or frozen mixed veggies as preferred.
  • Add panko breadcrumbs and extra cheese before baking uncovered for a crunchy topping.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 2 months.
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