Description
This Creamy Chicken Mushroom Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and creamy sauce baked to perfection. It’s perfect for a family dinner, offering a deliciously creamy texture with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra Parmesan for topping
Vegetables
- 8 oz white button mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Base and Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1¾ cups chicken broth
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prepare it for baking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Sauté the diced onions until they become soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, continuing to cook for 5–7 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and have released their moisture.
- Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme until fully combined to create a rich, creamy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: To the casserole dish, add the uncooked white rice, the sautéed mushroom mixture, and the cooked chicken breast. Pour the prepared creamy sauce over the ingredients and stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to become golden and slightly crisp.
- Serve: After baking, let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breast ahead of time to reduce prep time.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on the saltiness of your chicken broth and cheese.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- If you prefer, white wine can be added to sautéing mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Ensure rice is fully covered with liquid before baking to avoid dryness.
