Momma Green's Chicken and Rice Casserole
I got the base for this casserole from my sister-in-law. She makes it on Christmas day to go with our leftover Christmas Eve feast for a light but filling family meal together. I've added subbed chicken thighs for breasts for a healthier option and updated to cook the chicken in broth, not water, added some seasoning, etc. You can substitute the corn flakes for 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy variation. I like to serve this with a side of steamed broccoli. I don't really like broccoli in a casserole, so on the side is perfect.
I got the base for this casserole from my sister-in-law. She makes it on Christmas day to go with our leftover Christmas Eve feast for a light but filling family meal together. I've added subbed chicken thighs for breasts for a healthier option and updated to cook the chicken in broth, not water, added some seasoning, etc. You can substitute the corn flakes for 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy variation. I like to serve this with a side of steamed broccoli. I don't really like broccoli in a casserole, so on the side is perfect.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 can chicken and rice soup
- 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
- 2-3 chicken breasts boneless/skinless or 4 chicken thighs
- 1 1/2 cup rice uncooked
- 2 cups fat free low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup corn flakes crushed, (optional)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- Carbohydrate 43.9007400813585 g
- Cholesterol 23.9825000133143 mg
- Fat 21.5568927468904 g
- Fiber 0.826946078666342 g
- Protein 6.25984656272824 g
- Saturated Fat 3.92358741596454 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (215g)
- Sodium 1407.52257842819 mg
- Sugar 43.0737940026921 g
- Trans Fat 13.7211497762384 g
- Calories 398 calories
Step-by-step
- Boil chicken breasts until done. Cut into chunks.
- In a large pot add rice, celery, and broth. Bring to boil, then simmer on Med-Low heat for 12-14 minutes. Rice will not be cooked through.
- In a medium bowl blend together chicken, mayonnaise, onion powder, cream of chicken soup, chicken and rice soup, pepper, and cooked rice mixture.
- Transfer to a glass baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
- Top with corn flakes and bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Momma Green's Chicken and Rice Casserole: A Family Favorite
This Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe holds a special place in my heart, a testament to family traditions and the joy of sharing a comforting meal. The original recipe came from my sister-in-law, a culinary artist in her own right. She whips this up every Christmas Day, a perfect complement to our Christmas Eve feast. It's light yet filling, the ideal way to bring our family together after the holiday excitement.
Over the years, I've tweaked the recipe to reflect my own preferences and healthier eating habits. I've replaced chicken breasts with thighs—they offer a richer flavor and are naturally more moist. Cooking the chicken in flavorful broth instead of water adds another layer of depth. A few extra seasonings elevate the taste, transforming it from a simple casserole into a culinary masterpiece.
One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment! Want a cheesy twist? Simply swap the cornflake topping for ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. The possibilities are endless! I personally prefer to serve this casserole alongside a side of steamed broccoli—a healthy contrast to the richness of the casserole itself. I find that adding broccoli directly to the casserole detracts from the overall flavor; a simple side dish is the perfect complement.
This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients; it's a story woven into every spoonful. It's a story of family gatherings, holiday traditions, and the love that binds us together. It's the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, both literally and figuratively. It's the perfect embodiment of comfort food, a reminder of simpler times and cherished memories.
The aroma alone is enough to bring back a flood of happy memories. The creamy chicken, the perfectly cooked rice, the subtle hint of celery – all combining into a symphony of flavors that never fails to satisfy. And the best part? It’s remarkably easy to make! Even on a busy day, this casserole can be prepared and baked, leaving you with plenty of time to spend with loved ones.
So, whether you're a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, I urge you to try this recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive holiday gatherings. It's a dish that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen and a cherished tradition in your family. The simple act of preparing and sharing this casserole is a way to bring people together, creating moments of joy and connection that are far more valuable than any recipe could ever measure.
Beyond the simple act of cooking, this dish represents something more profound. It embodies the spirit of family, community, and togetherness. It's a reminder that the most precious things in life aren't found in fancy restaurants or exotic ingredients, but in the simple pleasures of sharing a delicious meal with those we love. This casserole, in its own quiet way, helps to cultivate those precious connections.
I encourage you to experiment and make it your own. Perhaps you'll discover a new favorite variation! Share your culinary creations with your loved ones and create your own special memories around this beloved casserole. After all, cooking is not just about creating a meal; it's about creating memories.
Happy cooking!
