Hearty & Easy Chicken and Rice Crescent Casserole: Your Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a casserole baking in the oven. Fall and casseroles truly go hand-in-hand, offering warmth, heartiness, and often, incredible simplicity. We all lead busy lives, and spending hours in the kitchen preparing dinner just isn’t feasible for most of us. That’s precisely why I love dishes that are not only deeply satisfying but also remarkably quick to assemble. This particular chicken and rice casserole is a testament to that philosophy – it’s designed for maximum flavor with minimum effort, proving that incredible meals don’t have to be complicated.
I’ve been wanting to create a delightful chicken and rice dish for quite some time, but I aimed to give it a unique and exciting twist. The result is this incredible casserole, crowned with a golden, flaky crescent roll topping that elevates it from a simple meal to a true culinary experience. It’s comfort food at its absolute best – creamy, savory, and unbelievably easy to make. I promise you, this dish can be ready for the oven in about 10 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when you still crave a homemade, delicious meal. Serving 6 people generously, each portion clocks in at 8 freestyle smart points, making it a fantastic option for those mindful of their dietary intake without sacrificing taste. Get ready to add this amazing casserole to your rotation of favorite fall recipes!
Chicken & rice crescent topped casserole
Ingredients
- 1 can of low fat cream of chicken soup, 284ml (essential for the creamy base)
- 1 cup chicken broth (adds depth of flavor and moisture)
- 1/2 cup milk, I used 1% for a lighter touch, but any milk will work
- Juice from 1/2 squeezed lemon (brightens the flavors beautifully)
- 10 oz cooked chicken, I used shredded, but cubed works perfectly; rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut!
- 2 cups frozen broccoli, feel free to swap out for mixed vegetables, peas, or carrots
- 2 cups cooked white rice, for convenience and lower points; brown rice is an option but adds 2 SmartPoints per serving
- Dash of salt & pepper (to taste, always season well!)
- 2/3 cup reduced fat shredded cheese, I used a savory 3 cheese blend for extra flavor
- 1 pkg Pillsbury reduced fat crescent rolls (the star topping!)
- 1 Tbsp finely grated parmesan cheese (for that perfect golden crust)
Instructions
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Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish generously with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks.
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In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine your 2 cups of frozen broccoli with 3 tablespoons of water. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the broccoli is slightly tender. This step helps it cook evenly in the casserole.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the can of low-fat cream of chicken soup, cooked chicken (shredded or cubed), chicken broth, microwaved broccoli, cooked white rice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, milk, reduced-fat shredded cheese, and a dash of salt & pepper. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined and evenly distributed.
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Carefully pour the chicken and rice mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Now for the delicious topping! Unroll your package of Pillsbury reduced-fat crescent roll dough, but keep it rolled up like a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 equal parts (first cut in half, then cut each half in half, and so on). Then, take each of those 8 pieces and cut them into 4 smaller, bite-sized pieces. This creates a lovely biscuit-like topping. (Refer to the pictures below for a visual guide).
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Evenly place the crescent roll biscuit pieces over the chicken and rice mixture in the casserole dish. Once all pieces are placed, sprinkle the finely grated parmesan cheese over the top for an extra golden, crispy crust.
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Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 28-30 minutes, or until the crescent rolls on top are beautifully golden brown and the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
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Once baked, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This recipe yields 6 satisfying servings, with each portion weighing out at approximately 11oz and including about 5 crescent pieces. Enjoy this comforting and easy-to-make meal!
Notes
For those tracking macros, the nutritional information per serving (not including broccoli for simplicity) is approximately:
Calories: 328
Fat: 8.6g
Saturated fat: 3.6g
Carbohydrates: 38.4g
Fiber: 0.4g
Sugars: 5.4g
Protein: 24.2g
This data was calculated using My Fitness Pal, providing a clear overview of the meal’s nutritional profile.
Additional Info
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Rice Casserole
This isn’t just another chicken and rice dish; it’s a culinary hug in a pan. Here’s why this crescent-topped casserole is quickly becoming a household favorite:
- **Effortless Preparation:** With only 10 minutes of active prep time, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Most of the cooking happens hands-off in the oven, giving you time back for other activities.
- **Ultimate Comfort Food:** The creamy, savory chicken and rice filling paired with the flaky, buttery crescent roll topping creates an irresistible combination. It’s warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying, perfect for chasing away those cool weather blues.
- **Family-Friendly Appeal:** This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Kids love the delicious crescent topping and the mild, familiar flavors, while adults appreciate the simple elegance and satisfying texture.
- **Dietary Conscious:** For those following Weight Watchers, this recipe is a fantastic option, fitting easily into your SmartPoints budget without compromising on taste or portion size. It proves that healthy eating can still be incredibly flavorful and filling.
- **Versatile and Adaptable:** While the recipe is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully flexible. Easily swap out vegetables, adjust seasonings, or even try different proteins to suit your family’s preferences or whatever you have on hand.
Ingredient Spotlight: Tips for Best Results
Each ingredient in this casserole plays a crucial role in creating its harmonious flavor and texture. Here are a few insights to make your dish truly shine:
- Low-Fat Cream of Chicken Soup: This forms the rich, creamy backbone of our casserole. Using a low-fat variety helps keep the SmartPoints in check without sacrificing the essential creaminess. Feel free to use a low-sodium version if preferred.
- Cooked Chicken: The beauty of this recipe is that it uses pre-cooked chicken. This makes prep incredibly fast. A rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is a brilliant shortcut – simply shred or dice it. Alternatively, you can boil or bake chicken breasts ahead of time. Whether you choose shredded or cubed, both textures work wonderfully in the casserole.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Don’t skip this! The juice from half a lemon adds a bright, fresh zest that cuts through the richness of the soup and cheese, lifting all the flavors and preventing the dish from tasting too heavy.
- Frozen Broccoli: This is a convenient and nutritious addition. Microwaving it briefly before mixing ensures it’s tender and incorporated perfectly into the casserole without being crunchy. If broccoli isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with other frozen vegetables like peas, corn, green beans, or a mixed vegetable blend. Just make sure to pre-cook them slightly as well.
- Cooked White Rice: We opt for white rice as it tends to be lower in Weight Watchers SmartPoints. For best results, use day-old or slightly cooled cooked rice; freshly cooked, hot rice can sometimes make the casserole a bit too mushy. If you prefer brown rice, remember it will add a couple of SmartPoints per serving.
- Reduced-Fat Shredded Cheese: A good quality reduced-fat cheese blend melts beautifully and adds a cheesy goodness without adding excessive fat. A three-cheese blend offers a more complex flavor profile than a single cheese.
- Pillsbury Reduced-Fat Crescent Rolls: This is the secret ingredient that gives this casserole its signature “spin”! These rolls puff up beautifully to create a golden, flaky, and slightly buttery topping that is simply divine. The reduced-fat version helps manage the overall nutritional content.
- Parmesan Cheese: A final sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan cheese before baking creates a delightful savory crust on top of the crescent rolls, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Tips for Casserole Perfection
Achieving a perfect casserole is easy with a few simple tips:
- Don’t Overmix: While you want to ensure all ingredients are well combined, avoid overmixing the chicken and rice mixture. This can sometimes lead to a tougher texture in the final dish.
- Even Spreading: When pouring the mixture into the casserole dish, spread it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking and browning of the topping.
- Golden Brown Topping: Keep an eye on the crescent rolls during baking. You want them to be a beautiful golden brown for maximum flakiness and flavor. If they start browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the casserole with aluminum foil.
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven helps the internal liquids settle, making it easier to serve and ensuring the filling holds together better.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the chicken and rice mixture (steps 1-4) a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add the crescent roll topping and Parmesan, then bake as directed, possibly adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger portion in the oven until heated through.
Variations to Customize Your Casserole
One of the best things about casseroles is their adaptability. Feel free to get creative with this recipe:
- Protein Swaps: Instead of chicken, consider using cooked turkey (great for holiday leftovers!), shredded pork, or even cooked ham for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Medley: Don’t limit yourself to just broccoli! Add a mix of frozen peas, corn, diced carrots, or even some sautéed mushrooms or spinach (ensure spinach is well-drained) to the chicken and rice mixture.
- Spice It Up: Enhance the flavor with additional seasonings. A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a dash of dried herbs like thyme or oregano can add extra depth. For a subtle kick, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can be included.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of reduced-fat shredded cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Colby Jack blend would all be delicious.
- Alternative Toppings: If crescent rolls aren’t available or you’re looking for a different texture, consider topping the casserole with crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter, seasoned breadcrumbs, or even a layer of mashed potatoes for a shepherd’s pie twist.
This Chicken and Rice Crescent Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, brings smiles to faces around the dinner table, and leaves everyone feeling satisfied. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is designed for success. It’s perfect for those seeking delicious, family-friendly meals that are also mindful of health goals.
So, gather your ingredients, take those few minutes to assemble, and let your oven do the rest. You’ll be rewarded with a bubbling, golden-topped casserole that’s bursting with flavor and comforting goodness. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request in your home!