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In an era where fast food and convenience meals dominate our busy lives, the comfort food trend has emerged as a delightful counterbalance, inviting us to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals. Comfort food transcends mere sustenance; it evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and contentment, reminding us of family gatherings and cherished traditions. Among the myriad of dishes that fall under this heartwarming category, Chicken & Rice Casserole stands out as a quintessential favorite, encapsulating the essence of comfort in every bite.

Homestyle Chicken and Rice Casserole

Discover the heartwarming delight of Chicken & Rice Casserole, a timeless comfort food perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings. This easy, one-dish recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, creamy soup, and vibrant vegetables for a satisfying meal. With endless variations to suit your taste, it's not just a dinner—it's a warm embrace on a plate. Dive into a world of comfort food and bring the family together with each delicious bite.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or cooked, shredded chicken breast)

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

1 cup sour cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Salt to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly.

    Prepare the Casserole Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and shredded chicken. Add in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir the mixture well until it is fully combined and smooth.

      Add Flavors: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried thyme (or Italian seasoning), and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the mixture. Gently fold in the frozen mixed vegetables, ensuring they're well integrated.

        Incorporate the Cheese: Stir in about ¾ of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until it’s evenly combined for that creamy texture.

          Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking. Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom.

            Top the Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. If you’d like an added crunch, go ahead and sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese.

              Bake: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. For an appealing presentation, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

                  Enjoy: Serve generous scoops of this comforting dish onto plates and indulge in the delightful homestyle flavors of your chicken and rice casserole!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 50 mins | Serves 6