Ingredients:
- 7-8 chicken tenders
- 2 cups rice
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 can chicken broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- Broccoli florets
- Crispy fried onions
- Shredded cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Chicken and Rice: Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the rice evenly.
- Prepare Casserole Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup with the chicken broth. Pour the mixture over the rice in the baking dish. Add the broccoli florets on top of the rice and soup mixture.
- Arrange Chicken: Lay the seasoned chicken tenders on top of the broccoli and rice mixture in the baking dish.
- Add Flavor: Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken tenders. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of crispy fried onions on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Optional Cheesy Topping: If desired, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking and sprinkle shredded cheese over half of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve with Garlic Cheesy Bread: While the casserole is resting, prepare your homemade garlic cheesy bread to serve alongside the delicious chicken and rice casserole.
- Enjoy: Serve portions of the cheesy chicken and rice casserole alongside slices of garlic cheesy bread. Enjoy your flavorful and comforting meal!