Chicken Tremendous: The Easiest, Most Comforting Bake You’ll Ever Make

I’ll never forget the first time I had Chicken Tremendous. It wasn’t at a fancy restaurant or a culinary school demonstration, but at my Aunt Carol’s potluck. Tucked amongst the perfectly arranged salads and meticulously frosted cupcakes was this unassuming casserole dish. The aroma alone – savory chicken, fragrant rice, and something deeply comforting – drew me in. One bite, and I was hooked. It was pure, unadulterated comfort food, and I knew instantly I needed the recipe. Years later, it’s still a staple in my repertoire, a dish that always brings back fond memories.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: 1 casserole
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Conscious (can be made gluten-free)

Ingredients

• ½ package dry onion soup mix
• 1 cup uncooked rice (not minute rice)
• ⅛ cup wild rice (optional)
• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cans water
• Seasoning salt
• Pepper

Equipment Needed

• Roaster pan or 9×13 inch cake pan

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring the oven is fully preheated is crucial for even cooking.

2. In your roaster pan or 9×13 inch cake pan, combine the uncooked white rice, optional wild rice, and dry onion soup mix. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan. Using a pan with slightly higher sides helps to contain any bubbling during baking.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and the 2 cans of water. Mix thoroughly until the soup is smooth and evenly diluted.

4. Pour half of the soup mixture over the rice mixture in the pan. Use a spoon or spatula to gently distribute the liquid and ensure all the rice is moistened.

5. Season the chicken breasts generously with seasoning salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s essential for flavorful chicken.

6. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice in the pan, spacing them evenly.

7. Pour the remaining soup/water mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are partially submerged. The liquid level should come about halfway up the sides of the chicken.

8. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender, about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken breast.

9. If the top of the chicken starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with foil during the last 20-30 minutes of baking.

10. Once the chicken is done and the rice is tender, remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and prevents it from being too soupy.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, sauté a diced onion and a clove of minced garlic in a little butter or olive oil before adding them to the rice mixture. This adds a layer of richness and depth.
• To make this gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup, and a gluten-free onion soup mix.
• If you prefer a crisper top, broil the dish for the last few minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
• Make-ahead tip: Assemble the casserole in the pan up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Add about 15 minutes to the baking time.
• If the rice is still crunchy after an hour and a half, add a little more water (about ½ cup) and continue baking until the rice is tender.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve Chicken Tremendous hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. It’s a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. To reheat in the oven, add a tablespoon or two of water to prevent the rice from drying out. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the rice and soup may change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	420 kcal	N/A
Fat	10.5 g	16%
Saturated Fat	2.7 g	13%
Cholesterol	57.7 mg	19%
Sodium	1444 mg	60%
Carbohydrate	52.2 g	17%
Fiber	1 g	4%
Sugars	2.5 g	N/A
Protein	27.1 g	54%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Pork Tremendous: Replace the chicken breasts with boneless pork chops. Brown the pork chops in a skillet before placing them on top of the rice.
• Vegetarian Tremendous: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu, cut into cubes and seasoned with your favorite spices. Use vegetable broth instead of water. You could also add some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or other vegetables to the rice mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Spicy Tremendous: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup mixture for a little kick.
• Creamy Herb Tremendous: Add a tablespoon of dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, and thyme) to the soup mixture. Substitute half of the water with milk or cream for an even richer, creamier dish.
• Mushroom Lover’s Tremendous: Use two cans of cream of mushroom soup instead of one can of cream of chicken. Add a cup of sliced baby bella mushrooms to the rice mixture before baking.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use minute rice in this recipe?

A: No, minute rice is not recommended. It cooks too quickly and will result in a mushy dish. Use regular long-grain rice for the best results.

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless, skinless breasts?

A: Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in chicken will take longer to cook through. Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q: My rice is still crunchy after the recommended cooking time. What should I do?

A: Add a little more water (about ½ cup) to the pan and continue baking until the rice is tender. You may also need to cover the pan with foil to trap in the moisture.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A: Absolutely! Chopped vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or peas can be added to the rice mixture before baking.

Q: Can I use a different type of soup?

A: While cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup are traditional, you can experiment with other cream-based soups like cream of celery or cream of broccoli. Just be mindful of the flavor profile you’re aiming for.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Tremendous is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the smell of home cooking, the comfort of a warm meal, and the ease of a one-pan wonder. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own, whether you stick to the original or add your own creative twist. Don’t hesitate to experiment and adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Serve it with a crisp glass of white wine or a comforting cup of tea. And most importantly, share it with the people you love. Bon appétit!