This Easy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is absolutely perfect for busy weeknights. Just a few simple ingredients to throw together and you’ve got yourself a meal that can be on the table in no time!
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Every once in a while, I come across a super old post of mine that makes me cringe just a little bit. Okay, actually a lot. And just recently, it was a post for this very recipe…but the post was just…no. It was from about 3 months into blogging and, well, it was full of different colored fonts, smiling faces galore, gross photos, and about a gazillion exclamation points.
I may still be a work in progress (I do love my exclamation points!!), but I’d like to think that this post will represent this delicious, easy cheesy chicken and rice recipe just a little bit better.
It comes together in no time, too, which is amazing for busy weeknights. Definitely my kinda recipe!
And if at all possible, take the extra two minutes and freshly shred a block of good cheddar. While the pre-shredded stuff is good in a pinch (I used some up on this recipe, too), freshly shredded just makes SUCH a big difference.
After a quick cooking in the oven, you’ll have dinner ready and waiting for you. Just pair it with a simple side salad or veggie, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal.
I’d like to say it was good for our whole family, but our picky eating toddler wouldn’t touch it. SO, I’ll tell you that it was perfect for the adults over here, and hopefully, if you’ve got kiddos then they’re less picky than ours. ;)
Easy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 2-3 skinless boneless chicken breasts
- 1-1/2 cups instant brown rice
- 1-1/2 cups water
- 1 can reduced-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups salsa
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook brown rice according to directions on box.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease an 7×11 inch baking dish.
- Meanwhile, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, place into a large saucepan, and fill with water until just covered.
- Bring chicken to a boil, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until done. Remove chicken from water and cut into bite-size pieces.
- In a medium bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, onion, and salsa.
- Layer 1/2 of the rice, 1/2 of the chicken, 1/2 of the soup and salsa mixture, and 1/2 of the cheese in prepared dish. Repeat layers, ending with cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly. Enjoy!
What types of recipes do you look for when cooking on weeknights? Quick and easy? Few ingredients? Or are you more about gourmet cooking?
Awesome, thank you! I typically look for recipes that contain ingredients I already have at home. Weekdays get so busy, so the last thing I want to do is make a run to the grocery store to pick up some fancy ingredient. (Meal prep Sunday’s don’t always happen!)
yum! this looks awesome! i’m all about casseroles and other dishes that last for more than one meal! :) :)
#exclamationpointsforlife!
This looks so good! I am all about quick meals with minimal prep time on the weeknights. I don’t mind spending more time prepping and cooking a more elaborate meal on the weekends though. What do you end up doing when Lucas won’t eat what you’ve prepared?
My daughter used to be an EXCELLENT eater…anything I put in front of her…she turned 2 and then three and started getting pickier– specifically about casseroles….I think it is because everything is mixed and it looks weird??? She still eats everything — veggies, fruits, fish etc…but it has to be separate!! Slightly annoying for those days when you just want a yummy casserole!
Mmm! Making this for sure soon. It looks so easy and delicious. I’m all about easy meals without a ton of ingredients.
Do you think this would freeze well? I’m pregnant and due May 1st and trying to find recipes we can make ahead to make life a little easier!
I feel like it’d be worth a try?! I haven’t tried it yet, personally, but I’m always a fan of breaking casseroles into two servings and attempting to freeze the second. If you try it, let me know! And congrats on your pregnancy! :)
while i enjoy seeing what other people make, i generally have scrambled eggs and avocado or buy salads for dinner. i’m so not into getting adventurous in the kitchen, but one day i will hopefully get better!
yum!!! I like to keep it simple and pretty quick for dinner. I love roasted veggies because I can throw them in the oven and get other things done while they are cooking.
This is an easy go to recipe for a busy night or weekend. It can easily be altered to a vegetarian option as well.
I made something similar to this a few weeks ago. It was so good!