Chicken and spinach casserole with rice is the ultimate comfort food, a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. This creamy, cheesy casserole is packed with flavor and features tender chicken, nutritious spinach, and fluffy rice, all baked to perfection. This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences, allowing you to customize it with different cheeses, vegetables, or spices. Let's dive into the delicious details!
What Makes This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Rice So Special?
This recipe stands out due to its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce complements the savory chicken and earthy spinach, while the rice provides a comforting base. The casserole's cheesy topping adds a delightful crunch and extra richness. It's a one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. Plus, it's incredibly versatile – you can easily adapt it to use whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- Cooked Chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even canned chicken for convenience. About 2 cups, shredded or diced.
- Rice: 2 cups cooked rice (long-grain white or brown rice work well).
- Spinach: 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.75 ounces)
- Milk: 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or 2% recommended)
- Cheddar Cheese: 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar is ideal)
- Onion: 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped (optional, but adds great flavor)
- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, but adds great flavor)
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, poultry seasoning (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Chop the onion and garlic (if using) and wash and chop the spinach.
- Sauté Aromatics (Optional): If using onion and garlic, sauté them in a tablespoon of olive oil until softened. This step adds depth of flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, sautéed onions and garlic (if used), spinach, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Season generously with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Pour into Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Rest & Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes for easier serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the frozen spinach before adding it to the casserole. Excess water can make the casserole watery.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to experiment! Mushrooms, broccoli florets, bell peppers, or peas would all be delicious additions.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What type of cheese is best?
Sharp cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheeses. Experiment to find your favorite combination!
Can I use different soup?
While cream of mushroom soup is traditional, you could try cream of chicken soup or even a different creamy soup to change the flavor profile.
Tips for the Perfect Casserole:
- Don't overcook the rice: Overcooked rice can make the casserole mushy.
- Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach provides the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcrowd the casserole dish: This ensures even cooking and browning.
- Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
This chicken and spinach casserole with rice is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delicious and easy-to-make recipe!
