If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to make, look no further than Paula Deen’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe. This classic Southern dish has been a staple in Paula Deen’s kitchen for years and is sure to become a favorite in yours too.
Made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy sauce, this casserole is the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether cooking for a crowd or just looking for a simple weeknight dinner, Paula Deen’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is a great choice.
What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a little prep time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time. So why not try and see why Paula Deen’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is such a beloved classic?
Read more: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Embracing Southern Comfort: The Inspiration behind Paula Deen’s Casserole
Paula Deen, the renowned Southern chef, is known for her love of hearty, flavorful dishes that bring families together. Her Chicken and Rice Casserole is a quintessential example of her culinary genius, combining tender chicken, aromatic rice, and a creamy, savory sauce that hugs every bite.
The History and Origins of Paula Deen’s Chicken and Rice Casserole:
In the long history of Southern cooking, Paula Deen’s chicken and rice casserole stands out as a classic. This classic casserole is a delightful combination of chicken, vegetables, rice, and cheese. All enveloped in a rich cream sauce. It’s easy to see why this dish has been a favorite for generations!
It is delicious and filling, and straightforward to make. This hearty dish can be ready in no time at all with just a few simple ingredients. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate different dietary restrictions and preferences—it can be easily modified to be gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian. Try this classic casserole today to enjoy the flavors of the South!
Read more: Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
Equipment:
- Oven
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Cooking spray
- Large bowl
Recipe for Paula Deen Chicken and Rice Casserole:
Ingredients needed for the casserole:
- 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
- 1 10.75 oz can of condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups of uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups of water
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- Season with salt
Step-By-Step Instructions for Making the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- After preheating the oven, lay the chicken breasts in the dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, uncooked rice, shredded cheese, water, black pepper, a pinch of salt, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until it’s all mixed well.
- In a baking dish, cover the chicken breasts with this sauce.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top of the casserole.
- Wrap the dish in foil and bake for an hour or until the chicken is done and the rice is tender.
- Uncover and cook for 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the top to a golden brown.
- Serve warm, and enjoy!
Read more: Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Casserole:
Paula deen chicken & rice casserole couldn’t be easier to make. Now, if you want to take this dish to the next level, I have additional suggestions.
- Top the dish with more shredded cheese before baking for a cheesy casserole. When baking, this will give the chicken and rice soup a nice golden crust.
- If you want more flavor, add diced onions or sliced mushrooms to the mixture before baking. The added vegetables will add more depth of flavor to the dish.
- You can also substitute ingredients depending on what you have on hand. For example, you can use cooked chicken instead of uncooked; if you don’t have long-grain white rice, you can also use brown or wild rice.
- For a healthier dish, use low-fat cream of chicken soup and lower-fat cheeses. You could swap out the butter for olive oil for even less saturated fat.
- Adjust the seasoning to your tastes – add extra pepper or garlic powder if you like spicier! And feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices as well.
- Finally, cook the casserole until it is heated and the chicken is cooked.
Read more: Chicken Ramen Noodles Recipe
Health Benefits of Paula Deen Chicken and Rice Casserole:
Paula Deen’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a delicious and nutritious meal for the whole family. Packed with protein from the chicken, fiber from the vegetables, and whole grains from the rice, this casserole provides essential nutrients for a healthy and balanced diet. Plus, it’s easy to make!
You can make this dish even healthier with just a few simple modifications. For example, using brown rice instead of white will add more fiber to your meal, or switch out the full-fat cream of chicken soup for a lower-fat version for fewer calories. There are endless ways to customize this dish to fit your dietary preferences and nutritional needs!
Read more: Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Variations on Paula Deen Chicken and Rice Casserole:
Various ingredients can make this casserole, making it extremely adaptable. For example, you could use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
Use tofu or tempeh in place of the chicken if you’re vegetarian. You could add vegetables like peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for nutrition and flavor. Finally, top the casserole with bread crumbs or crushed crackers.
Read more: Trader Joes Grilled Chicken Recipe
Conclusion:
Whatever your dietary restrictions or preferences, Paula Deen’s Chicken and Rice Casserole can be customized to fit your needs. Whether you want to make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian, this dish is an excellent option for all eaters.
Plus, it’s quick and easy to make! You can make a healthy and satisfying meal with just a few inexpensive ingredients and a short amount of time. So try this classic Southern dish today—you won’t be disappointed!
Read more: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Without Cream Cheese
FAQ
Q: What are Paula Deen’s chicken and rice casserole ingredients?
A: Paula Deen’s chicken and rice casserole typically includes cooked chicken, white rice, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, diced onion, green bell pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Q: Can I freeze Paula Deen’s chicken and rice casserole?
A: Paula Deen’s chicken and rice casserole can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, after it has cooled completely. Two months in the freezer is no problem.
Q: How do you make Paula Deen’s chicken and rice casserole?
A: To make Paula Deen’s chicken and rice casserole, you typically start by cooking the rice according to package instructions. Then, sauté diced onion and green bell pepper until tender, and combine with cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and cooked rice in a casserole dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 30-40 minutes.
Q: Can I substitute brown rice for white rice in Paula Deen’s chicken and rice casserole?
A: Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice in Paula Deen’s chicken and rice casserole, but remember that it may affect the texture and Cooking time of the casserole.
Q: What are some variations of Paula Deen’s chicken and rice casserole?
A: Some variations of Paula Deen’s chicken and rice casserole include adding garlic, Worcestershire sauce, sliced mushrooms, or different cheese types.
Q: How many servings does Paula Deen’s chicken and rice casserole make?
A: The chicken and rice casserole that Paula Deen makes usually feeds 6 to 8 people.
Q: What sides go well with Paula Deen’s chicken and rice casserole?
A: Some sides that go well with Paula Deen’s chicken and rice casserole include green beans, roasted vegetables, salad, or garlic bread.
Q: Can I use canned chicken in Paula Deen’s chicken and rice casserole?
A: Yes, you can use canned chicken in Paula Deen’s chicken and rice casserole, but remember that the texture and flavor may differ from freshly cooked chicken.
Q: How do I reheat Paula Deen’s chicken and rice casserole?
A: To reheat Paula Deen’s chicken and rice casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the casserole dish with foil. Heat in the oven for twenty to thirty minutes. As an alternative, you can microwave servings on their own for two to three minutes.
Nutrition Information:
Serving size: 1 cup (about 4 ounces)
Calories: 360 calories
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 590mg
Fiber: 1g
This cheesy and delicious Paula Deen Chicken and Rice Casserole will surely be a hit with the whole family! This classic Southern dish can be on your tab green to the side to up the nutritional value.
Read more: Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Cooking Note:
Paula Deen Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
- 1 10.75 oz can of condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups of uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups of water
- ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- ¼ cup of melted butter
- Season with salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- After preheating the oven, lay the chicken breasts in the dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, uncooked rice, shredded cheese, water, black pepper, a pinch salt, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until it’s all mixed well.
- In a baking dish, cover the chicken breasts with this sauce.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top of the casserole.
- Wrap the dish in foil and bake for an hour or until the chicken is done and the rice is tender.
- Uncover and cook for 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the top to a golden brown.
- Serve warm, and enjoy!
Notes
- Top the dish with more shredded cheese before baking for a cheesy casserole. When baking, this will give the chicken and rice soup a nice golden crust.
- If you want more flavor, add diced onions or sliced mushrooms to the mixture before baking. The added vegetables will add more depth of flavor to the dish.
- You can also substitute ingredients depending on what you have on hand. For example, you can use cooked chicken instead of uncooked; if you don’t have long-grain white rice, you can also use brown or wild rice.
- For a healthier dish, use low-fat cream of chicken soup and lower-fat cheeses. You could swap out the butter for olive oil for even less saturated fat.
- Adjust the seasoning to your tastes – add extra pepper or garlic powder if you like spicier! And feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices as well.
- Finally, cook the casserole until it is heated and the chicken is cooked.
