1-First Step: Get the oven and dish ready Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a medium baking dish or a 9×13 dish if you want a thinner casserole with more surface area. A greased dish helps the rice cook evenly and keeps the sauce from sticking to the edges.

2-Second Step: Mix the base In a large bowl, stir together 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice, 1 1/2 cups water, 1 ounce dry onion soup mix, and 10.5 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup. Mix until everything looks smooth and the soup is fully combined with the water. This creamy mixture is the heart of the chicken rice casserole, and it is what makes the rice tender as it bakes. If you are cooking for someone who needs lower sodium, use reduced-sodium soup and a lighter soup mix if you can find one. You can also add a little extra water if your rice seems especially dry or your baking dish is wide and shallow.

3-Third Step: Add the chicken Place the 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts into the dish or nestle them into the rice mixture. Spoon some of the creamy mixture over the top so the chicken stays moist while baking. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can pound them slightly for more even cooking. This step works well for families because the chicken cooks right in the casserole. That means fewer pans to wash later, which is always a win on a hectic weekday.

4-Fourth Step: Cover and bake Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. The foil traps steam, which helps the rice cook through and keeps the chicken from drying out. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and check the rice. If needed, bake 10 to 15 minutes longer until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part. If you are using a wider baking dish, the casserole may need a few extra minutes because the rice is spread out more. For smaller dishes, keep an eye on it near the end so it does not overcook.

5-Final Step: Rest and serve Let the chicken rice casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce settle a bit and makes scooping easier. Slice the chicken if you want, or serve the breasts whole over the creamy rice. For a more colorful plate, add a side of steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a simple salad. If you want to turn this into a full comfort meal, warm dinner rolls on the side are always welcome.