Carolina Casserole

Warm, hearty, and packed with Southern charm, Carolina Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for family dinners or potlucks. This rich and creamy dish combines tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked white rice, and a velvety cheddar cheese sauce infused with garlic, onion, and paprika for depth and flavor. Topped with crispy bacon and fresh green onions, this baked casserole is not only irresistible but also a breeze to prepare, with only 25 minutes of prep time. Ideal for feeding a crowd, it’s baked to golden-brown perfection, delivering a cozy, cheesy meal in every bite. Whether you’re craving something savory or looking for a new weeknight favorite, Carolina Casserole is a must-try recipe that’s destined to delight.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
• 3 stalks green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0 as needed cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot, combine the chicken breasts and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the broth and set it aside to cool, reserving 2 cups of the cooking broth.

Step 3

Shred the chicken using two forks or your hands, and set it aside for later.

Step 4

Using the same pot, add the 2 cups of reserved chicken broth and rice. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Set the rice aside.

Step 5

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 3 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese, the cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and cheese sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions over the casserole for a crunchy and fresh finish.

Step 11

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3220.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3652.4

Total Fat 164.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 85.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 1021.9mg	0%
Sodium 9000.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 187.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.9g	0%
Total Sugars 35.9g
Protein 342.3g	0%

Vitamin D 299.4IU	0%
Calcium 2701.8mg	0%
Iron 18.2mg	0%
Potassium 4333.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.2%

Protein: 38.0%

Carbs: 20.8%