Kristen Bell is known for being a talented actress, appearing in TV shows like Veronica Mars and The Good Place. However, she is also an avid home cook and has shared some of her favorite recipes over the years. One casserole Kristen Bell makes frequently is a simple but delicious chicken and rice casserole.
Kristen Bell’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
This chicken and rice casserole recipe comes together quickly with minimal ingredients. It makes for a hearty and comforting weeknight dinner. Here is an overview of what you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts
- Onion
- Garlic
- Rice
- Chicken broth
- Cream of chicken soup
- Spices like paprika, salt, and pepper
- Shredded cheddar cheese
To start, you’ll cook some diced onion and garlic in a skillet along with paprika, salt, and pepper. Then add in chopped cooked chicken breasts, rice, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup. Stir to combine.
Transfer this mixture to a casserole dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake at 350°F until heated through and the cheese is melted on top.
Kristen’s Thoughts on This Recipe
In an interview, Kristen shared that this chicken and rice casserole is one of her go-to meals. Here’s why she loves making it:
- It’s quick – the casserole comes together in under 30 minutes of active cooking time.
- It’s family-friendly – her kids love this simple, creamy casserole.
- It’s customizable – you can switch up the veggies, spices, or cheese used.
- It’s comforting – the casserole is warm, filling, and satisfying after a long day.
Kristen will often double this recipe so she can save half for leftovers. It reheats well and makes for easy meals later in the week.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for one serving of Kristen Bell’s chicken and rice casserole:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Protein | 25g |
As you can see, this casserole provides a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fats. The cream of chicken soup adds flavor while also packing a creamy texture. The rice soaks up all the delicious flavors and makes the casserole hearty and filling. Overall, it’s a nutritious casserole that can fuel you through a busy evening.
Variations
The great thing about this chicken and rice recipe is that it can be varied easily based on what you have on hand. Here are some variations to try:
- Replace chicken with turkey or sausage: Ground turkey or sausage crumbles would work great instead of chicken.
- Add different vegetables: Mix in sauteed mushrooms, diced carrots, corn, or green beans for extra nutrients.
- Use different seasonings: Customize the flavor with Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or Cajun spice blend.
- Switch up the starch: Substitute cauliflower rice or pasta for a lower carb option.
- Change the cheese: Use Monterey jack, parmesan, or pepper jack for a cheesy twist.
No matter what ingredients you have available, you can easily modify this casserole. Feel free to make it your own!
Tips for Perfecting This Casserole
Here are Kristen Bell’s top tips for getting the best results when making this chicken and rice casserole:
- Cut the chicken and vegetables into small, uniform pieces so everything cooks evenly.
- Cook the rice just until al dente before adding to the casserole so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
- Stir the casserole ingredients well before transferring to the baking dish.
- Use canned cream soup at room temperature for the smoothest texture.
- Shred the cheese versus grating it so it melts nicely on top.
- Cover tightly with foil when baking to trap steam and cook the rice through.
- Let it rest 5 minutes before serving so the casserole sets up.
Following these tips will ensure your chicken and rice casserole turns out perfectly creamy, cheesy, and delicious every time!
What to Serve with the Casserole
Here are some tasty side dishes that pair nicely with Kristen Bell’s chicken and rice casserole:
- Garden salad – Crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers add freshness.
- Garlic bread – Buttery, toasted bread complements the casserole.
- Roasted vegetables – Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.
- Fruit salad – Grapes, berries, melon give a sweet counterpoint.
- Dinner rolls – Warm, soft rolls to soak up the casserole sauce.
- Green beans – Fresh or sauteed green beans add color and texture.
A simple salad is all you need to round out the meal. But if you want heartier sides, vegetables, bread, and fruit make tasty accompaniments.
Conclusion
Kristen Bell’s easy chicken and rice casserole is loaded with feel-good flavors. With chicken, rice, veggies, and cheese, it’s got everything you need for a satisfying dinner. The best part is you can customize this recipe to suit your tastes or what’s in your kitchen. Serve it with fresh salad or warm bread for a meal the whole family will request time and time again.