Name: Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 2 cups (chopped) store-bought rotisserie chicken (purchase family-sized chicken).; 1 cup (cooked) long-grain white rice.; 10.5 ounce can cream of celery soup.; ¾ cup mayonnaise.; ½ cup chicken stock (or broth).; ½ cup finely diced onion.; Salt, pepper, garlic powder, to taste.; 1 ½ cups bread crumbs.; 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted.

Discover a comforting and easy-to-make dish with this Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe. Made with rotisserie chicken, cooked rice, and a creamy sauce, this casserole is topped with buttery bread crumbs for a delightful crunch. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe is both convenient and delicious. Serve it hot with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for family dinners. With creamy, savory flavors and a crispy breadcrumb topping, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious meal.

INGREDIENTS

Store-bought Rotisserie Chicken: Convenient and flavorful, this pre-cooked chicken saves time and adds great taste. Use 2 cups of chopped chicken from a family-sized rotisserie chicken.
Cooked Long-Grain White Rice: Provides a hearty base for the casserole. Use 1 cup of cooked rice.
Cream of Celery Soup: Adds creaminess and flavor. You’ll need a 10.5-ounce can.
Mayonnaise: Adds richness and a smooth texture. Use ¾ cup of mayonnaise.
Chicken Stock (or Broth): Enhances the flavor and keeps the casserole moist. Use ½ cup.
Finely Diced Onion: Adds a mild, sweet flavor. Use ½ cup of finely diced onion.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. These seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Bread Crumbs: Provide a crunchy topping. Use 1 ½ cups of bread crumbs.
Salted Butter: Helps brown the bread crumbs and adds flavor. Melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 11x7-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2:: In a large bowl, combine the chopped rotisserie chicken, cooked long-grain white rice, cream of celery soup, mayonnaise, chicken stock, and finely diced onion. Optionally, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3:: Spread the chicken and rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 4:: In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs with the melted salted butter. Stir until the bread crumbs are evenly coated with the butter.
Step 5:: Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the top of the chicken and rice mixture in the baking dish.
Step 6:: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly along the edges.
Step 7:: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve the Chicken and Rice Casserole hot, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place portions in the microwave or warm them in an oven set to 350°F until heated through.

Helpful Notes

For added flavor, consider mixing in some shredded cheddar cheese with the chicken and rice mixture. You can also add vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition. If you prefer a lighter version, use light mayonnaise and reduced-sodium chicken stock. Using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and easy, but you can also use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand.