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Best Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe

Name: Best Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 325 g
Ingredients: boneless skinless chicken thighs 2 lbs; long grain white rice 1.5 cups; whole milk 1 cup; low-sodium chicken broth 2 cups; button mushrooms, sliced 8 oz; yellow onion, diced 1 piece; celery stalks, sliced 2 pieces; carrot, diced 1 piece; unsalted butter 2 tbsp; all-purpose flour 2 tbsp; kosher salt 1 tsp; black pepper 0.5 tsp; garlic powder 0.5 tsp; dried thyme 0.5 tsp; fresh parsley, chopped 2 tbsp

Creamy chicken and rice baked in one dish is an effortless family dinner that's warm and comforting. Packed with protein and perfect for busy weeknights, this chicken casserole pleases every palate.

Cook 70 min Difficulty NORMAL 420 kcal

#protein rich #casserole #easy dinner #comfort food

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

boneless skinless chicken thighs 2 lbs
long grain white rice 1.5 cups
whole milk 1 cup
low-sodium chicken broth 2 cups
button mushrooms, sliced 8 oz
yellow onion, diced 1 piece
celery stalks, sliced 2 pieces
carrot, diced 1 piece

Seasonings/Sauce

unsalted butter 2 tbsp
all-purpose flour 2 tbsp
kosher salt 1 tsp
black pepper 0.5 tsp
garlic powder 0.5 tsp
dried thyme 0.5 tsp
fresh parsley, chopped 2 tbsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 37 g 35%

Protein 27 g 26%

Fat 17 g 39%

Serving size 325g

Cooking steps

1

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
2

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add onions, celery, and carrots; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3

Stir in mushrooms and cook for another 3 minutes. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute to cook off the raw taste.
4

Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk while stirring, making sure no lumps remain. Add garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3 minutes to slightly thicken.
5

Turn off heat. Stir in uncooked rice and half of the parsley. Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6

Nestle chicken thighs evenly over the rice mixture. Lightly season chicken tops with extra salt and pepper if desired.
7

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil, baste chicken and rice with pan juices, and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes more until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
8

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle remaining parsley over the top before serving.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What are the key ingredients that give creamy chicken and rice its signature flavor and texture?

The core ingredients include boneless skinless chicken thighs for their juicy texture, long grain white rice for heartiness, and a combination of whole milk and low-sodium chicken broth to create a creamy base. Sautéed mushrooms, onions, celery, and carrots add depth of flavor, while butter and flour form a subtle roux that thickens the cream sauce.

Q. What cooking steps are most important for achieving a perfectly creamy texture?

A crucial step is sautéing the vegetables and then stirring in the flour, allowing it to cook for about a minute. This forms a roux, which helps thicken the sauce. When you add the milk and broth, whisk continuously to avoid lumps. Covering with foil ensures the rice absorbs the liquid evenly, then baking uncovered at the end helps the casserole set without drying out.

Q. How can I prevent overcooked or mushy rice in this recipe?

Use long grain white rice, and avoid stirring once the dish is assembled. Cover tightly during the first portion of baking to allow slow steam absorption. After removing the foil, monitor the dish closely—bake only until the rice grains are tender, not mushy. Letting the casserole rest before serving allows excess moisture to redistribute.

Q. How many calories does each serving of creamy chicken and rice contain, and what is its protein-to-carb ratio?

Each serving provides approximately 420 kcal, with 27g protein and 37g carbohydrates. The protein makes up about 26% of the calories, while carbs contribute 35%. This balance makes the dish both filling and satisfying, with a strong protein-to-carb profile.

Best Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe

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