Comfort in a Casserole (and a Cute Pumpkin Craft!)

This Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe was shared with me by my friend, Maureen. Honestly, I underestimated this recipe initially. I assumed because it contained just a few simple ingredients that it wouldn't have much flavor. I was surprised when I made it for the first time because it was better than I imagined and everyone in my family liked it (which is rare)! I'll share my tips below after you see how simple it is!

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

Directions:

Boil chicken until cooked, at least 30 minutes. Let cool and cut up into bite size pieces. Set aside.

Melt butter in a skillet. Add chopped veggies and rice. Saute for 5 minutes.

Add chicken broth, salt and pepper.

Cook in a large baking dish and spread the cooked chicken on the top. Cover and bake at 350 for 1 hour.

See how simple it is? And you can easily have the ingredients on hand. After making this recipe MANY times, here are my tips:

-The texture and taste of jasmine rice works well with this dish

-Instead of green pepper, use extra carrots and celery (unless you love green peppers!)

-Use Swanson chicken broth to keep the recipe gluten free

-Double the recipe and have two dinners (it's really easy to double)

-Bake or boil the chicken in advance or use a rotisserie chicken

-Be sure to add enough salt and pepper

-Bake the casserole in a disposable foil pan to make meal delivery and clean up easy (and it doesn't stick)

As for sides, I usually cut up seasonal fruit. This helps to keep the meal gluten-free. If the recipient doesn't need a gluten-free meal, I will add a nice loaf of bread. This recipe works great for so many situations where a meal is needed because it's a bulked up version of chicken soup that's warm and comfy. Best of all, it's so easy to put it together!

I'd love to know if you try the recipe and what you think!

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Have you seen this cute little pumpkin craft? I'm not a fan of using empty toilet paper rolls for crafts, but paper towel rolls would be perfect for this project. I love to add a small item like this when taking a meal.

1. It doesn’t take much to brighten someone’s day. Along with a meal, I love adding a small gift, like these fall cups filled with cozy socks, lip balm, and yummy treats.

2. See how Haley is using her TTAM meal carrier and what meal she’s taking to a new mom!

Want a meal carrier of your own? Click here!

3. Here’s a peek behind the scenes as our team prepares and packages the meals you send to those who need it most.

4. These Chicken Parm Wraps are fast to assemble and can be transported easily, making them a great lunch or dinner option if you’re taking a meal! And the best part is they are freezable! 

Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the recipe link!

5. Silly or serious... they're not just for kids! Who doesn't appreciate a note that reminds them of how special and loved they are? Take a minute to print one (or make your own) and send it along with your meal.

Take Them A Meal is an easy (and free!) online tool for coordinating the delivery of meals to loved ones. If a friend is ill, elderly, or welcoming a child, you can rally their community to take them meals. We also offer delicious, fully-prepared meals that can be shipped directly to their door!

Surprise your loved ones with a delicious, chef-made meal delivered straight to their door. Explore Shipped Meals

Our culinary team has tested each of these recipes to make sure we can heartily recommend them. Explore Our Recipes

Check out these thoughtful and practical gifts including engraved spoons, meal carriers and more!

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