Description

Creamy Mushroom & Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fluffy rice in a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this versatile casserole offers savory flavors and easy preparation with customizable options for different diets and preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

8 oz fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced

Grains

1 cup white or brown rice, uncooked

Liquids & Sauces

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup or 1 cup homemade cream sauce
1 ¾ cups chicken broth

Dairy (optional)

1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, gouda, or gruyere), optional

Fats

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for sautéing

Herbs & Spices

1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Clean and slice the mushrooms, dice the onions, and mince the garlic. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Sauté Mushrooms and Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté the mushrooms until they release their moisture and brown slightly. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent.
Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish: In a greased casserole dish, mix the uncooked rice, sautéed mushroom mixture, chicken pieces, cream of mushroom soup or homemade cream sauce, and chicken broth. Stir in thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
Bake Until Tender: Cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and chicken is tender. If using cheese, sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking and bake uncovered to melt and brown.
Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows flavors to meld and the casserole to firm up for easier serving.

Notes

Use fresh mushrooms rather than canned for the best flavor and texture.
Cut chicken into uniform pieces and combine raw to ensure even cooking.
Keep the casserole covered during baking to trap moisture and prevent drying out.
Use chicken broth instead of water to add depth and richness.
Rest the casserole after baking to improve texture and flavor integration.
Substitute cream of mushroom soup with a homemade or dairy-free cream sauce for dietary needs.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream soup or sauce and verify all ingredients are gluten-free.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Chicken casserole, mushroom casserole, creamy chicken and rice, one dish meal, comfort food, easy dinner, family friendly, gluten free casserole