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

ADINA BAILEY

Hello friend! I'm guessing you are feeling the busyness of the fall just like I am. Today, I'm sharing one of my favorite comfort-filled recipes to take to a loved one that I turn to when I'm short on time. And don't forget, PerfectPotluck.com can help you save time this season when planning holiday meals or parties. Finally, don't miss this fast, but cute pumpkin craft (at the end of the post) to cheer up your next meal delivery.~Adina

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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:

1/2 stick butter
1 small onion, chopped
1 large stem of celery, chopped
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1 cup uncooked rice
3 cups chicken broth
2 chicken boneless breasts
salt and pepper, to taste

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.

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