Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole is a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together with minimal effort. Perfect for busy evenings, it combines tender chicken with creamy soups and rice for a satisfying one-dish dinner.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups Minute Rice (white or brown)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can water (use one of the soup cans)
- 1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with about 1 tablespoon of butter. This adds flavor and prevents sticking.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups of uncooked Minute Rice, both cans of soup, and the can of water. Mix well until combined.
- Step 3: Pour the rice and soup mixture into the buttered baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Step 4: Place the chicken breasts on top of the mixture, then sprinkle the envelope of Lipton Onion Soup Mix evenly over the chicken.
- Step 5: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 to 1½ hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of shredded cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Swap out the onion soup mix for garlic herb seasoning for a different taste.
- Use low-sodium soups if you want better control over the salt content.
- Add chopped vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the rice mixture before baking for added nutrition.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If frozen, it’s best to thaw overnight before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh or thawed chicken breasts work perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure they are fully cooked before serving.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the casserole as directed, cover it, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, allow extra baking time if starting from cold.
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Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A simple and comforting Lazy Day Creamy Chicken & Rice Dinner Casserole featuring tender chicken breasts baked atop a creamy mix of soups and instant rice, seasoned with Lipton Onion Soup Mix and butter for added flavor. This easy one-dish meal is perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying homemade dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
Rice & Soup Mixture
- 2 cups uncooked Minute Rice (white or brown)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can water (use one of the soup cans to measure)
Seasoning & Butter
- 1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 tablespoon butter (plus extra for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with about 1 tablespoon of butter to add richness and prevent sticking.
- Mix the Rice and Soup Base: In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 cups of uncooked instant rice, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, and 1 can of water (using a soup can to measure). Stir until fully blended.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the creamy rice and soup mixture evenly into the prepared buttered baking dish.
- Add the Chicken and Seasoning: Lay the boneless skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Evenly sprinkle the entire envelope of Lipton Onion Soup Mix over the chicken breasts to infuse flavor.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice has fully absorbed the liquids and softened.
Notes
- For best results, use instant rice as it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors well.
- Check chicken doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Butter adds flavor and helps with browning; alternatively, use cooking spray or oil if preferred.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup with low-sodium or homemade versions if desired.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 to 1½ hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken casserole, creamy chicken and rice, easy casserole dinner, baked chicken recipe, lazy day dinner, comfort food, quick chicken dinner
