Creamy Chicken Florentine Rice Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic
Looking for a comforting, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor? Look no further than this Chicken Florentine Rice Casserole. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy spinach, and fluffy rice in a cheesy, irresistible casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
This recipe takes the classic Chicken Florentine flavors—creamy spinach and savory chicken—and transforms them into a hearty, family-friendly casserole. The addition of rice makes it a complete and filling meal, while the cheesy topping adds a touch of indulgence. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Let’s dive into the details and learn how to create this delectable casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Comforting and Flavorful:** The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy topping create a symphony of flavors and textures that are incredibly satisfying.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love the familiar flavors and comforting nature of this casserole.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
* **Great for Leftovers:** Leftovers taste just as good, making it a perfect option for meal prepping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Cooked Chicken:** 3 cups, shredded or diced. You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover baked chicken, or poach chicken breasts specifically for this recipe. Rotisserie chicken offers convenience and great flavor.
* **Cooked Rice:** 3 cups. Use your favorite type of rice – long grain, medium grain, or even brown rice. Make sure the rice is cooked according to package directions. Slightly undercooking the rice is preferable as it will continue cooking in the casserole.
* **Frozen Spinach:** 10 ounces, thawed and squeezed dry. It’s crucial to squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent a watery casserole. Thawing can be done in the microwave or overnight in the refrigerator.
* **Cream Cheese:** 8 ounces, softened. Softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth and creamy sauce. Take it out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before starting.
* **Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup:** 10.75 ounces. This provides a creamy base for the sauce. You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
* **Milk:** 1/2 cup. Use whole milk or 2% milk for the best results. You can also use half-and-half for an even richer sauce.
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup. Adds a salty and savory flavor to the sauce and topping.
* **Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** 1 1/2 cups. For the topping. You can use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, or any cheese that melts well.
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup, chopped. Adds flavor and aroma to the casserole. Yellow or white onion works well.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic enhances the savory flavor of the casserole.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons. Used for sautéing the onion and garlic.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the casserole to your liking.
* **Optional: Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon. A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and depth of flavor to the spinach.
* **Optional: Bread Crumbs:** 1/4 cup. For extra crunch on top. Toss with melted butter before sprinkling over the cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s get started with the preparation. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Chicken Florentine Rice Casserole:
**Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
**Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic**
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
**Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce**
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
**Step 4: Combine the Ingredients**
Add the cooked chicken, cooked rice, thawed and squeezed dry spinach, and sautéed onion and garlic to the cream sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
**Step 5: Assemble the Casserole**
Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
**Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping**
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If using, sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs over the cheese.
**Step 7: Bake the Casserole**
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
**Step 8: Let it Rest**
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set slightly.
**Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!**
Serve the Chicken Florentine Rice Casserole hot. It’s delicious on its own or with a simple side salad.
Tips and Variations
* **Use Different Types of Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere for a unique flavor.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli to the casserole for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.
* **Use Brown Rice:** For a healthier option, use cooked brown rice instead of white rice.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a vegetarian version.
* **Add a Crunchy Topping:** Top the casserole with crushed Ritz crackers or potato chips for a crispy topping.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free bread crumbs to make this casserole gluten-free.
* **Poach Your Own Chicken:** Poaching chicken breasts is a healthy and flavorful option. Simply simmer chicken breasts in chicken broth until cooked through, then shred or dice.
* **Use Different Cream Soups:** Swap out cream of chicken for cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even cream of broccoli for a unique flavor profile.
* **Make Individual Casseroles:** For portion control or a more elegant presentation, divide the mixture into individual ramekins before baking.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This Chicken Florentine Rice Casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Here’s how:
1. Prepare the casserole according to the recipe instructions up to the point of baking.
2. Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
3. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’s starting cold.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store leftover Chicken Florentine Rice Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Florentine Rice Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to complement it:
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds freshness and balance to the meal.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious side dishes.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Fruit Salad:** A refreshing fruit salad makes a light and healthy dessert.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
_Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used._
Recipe Card
**Creamy Chicken Florentine Rice Casserole**
A comforting and flavorful casserole with tender chicken, creamy spinach, and fluffy rice in a cheesy sauce.
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 50 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8
**Ingredients:**
* 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
* 3 cups cooked rice
* 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 10.75 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
* Optional: 1/4 cup bread crumbs, tossed with melted butter
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
4. Add chicken, rice, spinach, onion, and garlic to the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
5. Pour mixture into the baking dish. Spread evenly.
6. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bread crumbs (if using).
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Chicken Florentine Rice Casserole!
Conclusion
This Chicken Florentine Rice Casserole is a winning recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a warm and comforting meal that everyone will love. Happy cooking!