Mushroom Gruyere Chicken And Rice Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Name: Mushroom Gruyere Chicken And Rice Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 5 cups chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces; 1 cup red onion, diced; 2.25 cups button mushrooms, sliced; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 can cream of mushroom soup; 0.75 cup heavy cream; 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2 cups gruyere cheese, grated; 2 cups white rice, cooked; 1.5 cups chicken broth; 0.5 cup slivered almonds

Introduction to Mushroom Gruyere Chicken And Rice Casserole

Welcome to the world of hearty and comforting meals! If you’re looking for a dish that combines rich flavors, satisfying textures, and is easy to prepare, look no further than Mushroom Gruyere Chicken and Rice Casserole. This delightful casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and creamy gruyere cheese all baked together, it’s a dish that promises to warm your heart and fill your belly.

A Personal Story Behind My Mushroom Gruyere Chicken And Rice Casserole Journey

My love for casseroles began in my grandmother’s kitchen, where she often prepared hearty meals for our family gatherings. This Mushroom Gruyere Chicken and Rice Casserole reminds me of those cherished moments, bringing together my favorite ingredients into one delicious dish. It’s a recipe that has been passed down through generations, and every time I make it, I feel connected to my family and the love we shared around the dinner table.

What Makes This Mushroom Gruyere Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe Special?

What sets this casserole apart is its rich, creamy texture and the delightful combination of flavors. The gruyere cheese adds a nutty depth that perfectly complements the sautéed mushrooms and tender chicken. The added crunch of slivered almonds on top gives it a lovely contrast in texture. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights!

The Full Mushroom Gruyere Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cups chicken breasts, about 3 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup red onion, diced
2 1/4 cups button mushrooms, 8 ounces, sliced
1 cup celery, about 2 stalks, diced
1 can cream of mushroom soup, 10.5 ounces
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cups gruyere cheese, grated
2 cups white rice, cooked
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup slivered almonds

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Butter a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and set it aside. This will prevent sticking and makes for easy serving.
In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the remaining butter over medium-high heat until it starts to bubble.
Add the cubed chicken and fry until lightly golden and just cooked, about 5 to 8 minutes. Remember, it’s okay if the chicken is slightly pink; it will finish cooking in the oven.
Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a bowl and set aside.
In the same pot with the remaining juices, add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step enhances the flavor base of your casserole.
Add the mushrooms and cook until glossy and browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. This will bring out their natural flavors.
Stir in the diced celery, cream of mushroom soup, and heavy cream until well combined. This will create a creamy sauce that binds the casserole together.
Mix in the lemon juice, grated cheese, and cooked rice, stirring until well combined. The cheese will melt beautifully as it bakes.
Return the cooked chicken to the pot, pour in the chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle with slivered almonds for a crunchy topping.
Bake the casserole on the middle rack in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the almonds are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Allow the casserole to rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce settle before you dig in.
Optionally, add freshly ground black pepper before serving for an extra kick of flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Mushroom Gruyere Chicken And Rice Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance it by serving a light salad or steamed vegetables on the side. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce or even some sautéed spinach for added nutrition. If you’re looking for a variation, try adding different vegetables like bell peppers or swapping out the gruyere for another cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mushroom Gruyere Chicken And Rice Casserole

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This Mushroom Gruyere chiken and rice casserole freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for gruyere cheese?
If you can’t find gruyere cheese or prefer something different, cheddar or mozzarella can also work well in this recipe.

Enjoy this comforting and cheesy chicken and rice casserole straight from your oven!

Recipe Stats

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories per Serving: 480
Servings: 6