Friday, April 15, 2011

Recipe ~ Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole~MY WAY

As I mentioned a couple days ago, we are in the midst of making changes. Ave and I are thankfully feeling better and our road to recovery couldn't come at a better time. We realistically have 4 weeks to be moved and settled before "the big move" (which I'll soon explain) takes place. 




In the meantime, what I thought would be a smooth and somewhat organized packing experience, has turned into this whirl wind of disorder. The papers alone floating around this house is enough to keep me busy for a month. And enough to drive me insane! I catch myself standing at one end of the house in this crazy googly eyed gaze, unsure of myself, and unsure of where to start. It's taking every bit of resistance I have to not want to throw it all away and just start fresh when the time comes. Unfortunately though money doesn't grow on our trees, and a packing company is out of the question. Although tempting.......it's just not an option. 


With that said (because I'm sure you needed to know all that) I can't resist my need to cook. I'm forced at this point to use up almost every food item in my pantry/fridge before moving, but I'm also determined to make sure whatever I'm cooking is of quality, and I can be proud of.


This past weeks meal was exceptionally good, but more important, I was satisfied with the fast preparation.  And, I eliminated that much more from my extremely packed kitchen. Yay for me!






Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole


Ingredients


3 cups diced cooked chicken
1 small onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 8 oz can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
1 can green beans, drained and rinsed
1 10 oz can light cream of chicken soup
1 cup light sour cream
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups cooked brown rice
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
salt and pepper


Directions


Preheat oven to 350


In large saute pan cook diced chicken, onion, and garlic, seasoned with salt and pepper, until chicken is no longer pink inside. Combine this mixture along with the other 6 ingredients in large bowl. Pour in medium size casserole dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle panko crumbs over the top and bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and topping is golden. 











Enjoy!

13 comments:

  1. mmmm..that casserole look too good! I love how creamy it is..and you used chestnuts, how unique!
    Wonderful post, and I wish you fast and happy move!

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  2. Lovely looking casserole! I hope this stage of packing disorganization passes quickly! Do you mean to tell me you are moving twice in the upcoming month?

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  3. @Lo-moWell now if I shared that with you now, it would spoil my upcoming posts:) I'll just leave it to your imagination. HEE HEE!

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  4. Looks great to me. My mom used to make a stove-top dish that I really liked using chicken and Cream of Mushroom soup. It was great as I imagine this dish is. :-)

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  5. Yeah, moving is definitely a chore.when I moved last summer I donated and threw away so much stuff. My opinion was that if I haven't used it in a year it's not getting packed.

    The chicken and rice casserole looks so delicious! I can't remember the last time I had one!

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  6. This looks so cheesy and comforting! I love it.
    Have a wonderful weekend!
    Angie

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  7. This casserole looks delicious! Something that my family would seriously love. Great recipe!

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  8. totally making this. I have all the ingred's right now!

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  9. I have moved 7 times in the last 10 years with 2 of those being country to country so I know exactly what you;re going through. Good luck with the move. Make sure you freeze lots of meals in the next few days.

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  10. Hey girl - sorry, I am so behind on catching up on my friends posts. I know you've had so much going on. I have moved more times than I care to count since my hubby used to be in the Navy. We moved LOTS in our 14 years of Navy life. So I know EXACTLY where you are coming from!
    Take one day at a time, one piece at a time. That's all you can do. I used to collect all kinds of little knick knacks - not anymore because I knew I would have to pack it up sooner or later...LOL.
    I am a casserole lover. I just ADORE casseroles. This looks so good. Really like that you put water chestnuts in it too!

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  11. @The Country CookI appreciate that Brandie. Your so right! Take a day at a time:)

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  12. I've made something very similar...and it's fabulous!!! It will have to go back on our menu soon...but I may try to sneak in your brown rice :)

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  13. The bad news is - packing is never fast or easy. The good news is - this casserole looks dee-lish! I love that you snuck in some healthier stuff like green beans & brown rice. Good luck with everything Ang! :)

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