Description
This comforting Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice Casserole combines tender seasoned chicken thighs baked alongside long grain rice, creamy French onion soup, beef consommé, and sliced mushrooms. Topped with slices of butter and finished with crispy onions and parmesan cheese, it's a rich and flavorful one-dish meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Rice and Soup Base
- 2 cups Long Grain Rice (not minute rice)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can French Onion Soup (or condensed soup of choice)
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans Beef Consommé
- 8 oz White Mushrooms, sliced
Chicken and Butter
- 1 1/2 to 2 lbs uncooked chicken thighs (seasoned with spices of choice)
- 1 stick Unsalted Butter, sliced (1/2 cup)
Garnishes and Seasonings
- Crispy Onions
- Salt, Pepper, and seasonings of choice
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the casserole evenly.
- Season the chicken thighs: Prepare your chicken by seasoning them with salt, pepper, and any spices you prefer to enhance the flavor.
- Prepare the rice mixture: In a 9x13 baking dish, combine the long grain rice, beef consommé, French onion soup, and sliced mushrooms. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Add butter and chicken: Layer the sliced butter evenly over the rice mixture, then place the seasoned chicken thighs on top.
- Cover and bake: Tightly cover the baking dish with foil to trap moisture and bake in the oven for 50 minutes.
- Uncover and continue baking: Carefully remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes until the chicken is browned and the rice is cooked through. Check the rice texture and bake longer if needed.
- Finish and serve: Once baked, remove from oven. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate grains. Serve portions topped with fresh parsley, grated parmesan cheese, and crispy fried onions for added texture and flavor. Enjoy your hearty casserole!
Notes
- Make sure to use regular long grain rice, not instant or minute rice, for best texture.
- Season the chicken thighs well before baking to impart maximum flavor.
- If you prefer, substitute beef consommé and French onion soup with other broth and condensed soup flavors.
- Cover baking dish tightly with foil to ensure even cooking and prevent drying out.
- Check rice doneness towards the end of baking; cooking times may vary depending on your oven and rice type.
- Garnishes like parsley, parmesan, and crispy onions add freshness and crunch to the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American