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Cozy Sunday Night Chicken Rice Casserole with Crispy Cheese Crust

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A comforting and easy chicken rice casserole featuring a creamy base and a crispy sharp cheddar cheese crust, perfect for cozy dinners and busy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream (can substitute Greek yogurt)
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  3. In a large bowl, mix the uncooked rice, cooked chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, chicken broth, sour cream, melted butter, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until evenly combined; the mixture should look creamy but not soupy.
  4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese generously over the top.
  5. Tent the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the broth and cook through.
  6. Remove the foil carefully and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese crust is golden and crispy.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best crispy crust. Tent with foil during baking to keep moisture in and prevent the rice from drying out. Let the casserole rest before serving to help it set. For extra crunch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking uncovered. Brown rice can be used but requires more broth and longer baking time. Dairy-free substitutions include plant-based cheese and coconut yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, rice casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, crispy cheese crust, Sunday dinner

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/cozy-sunday-night-chicken-rice-casserole-recipe-with-crispy-cheese-crust-easy-and-perfect/