DUMP CHEAP MEAL

Ouadie Rhabbouron

The Ultimate Weeknight Savior: Dump-and-Bake Chicken & Rice Casserole

 

Intro:

Life is busy, budgets are tight, and nobody wants a mountain of dishes after a long day. Enter the glorious world of the "Dump Cheap Meal"—a dish so easy, so inexpensive, and so minimal on cleanup, it feels like a kitchen miracle. Our favorite for website publication is the Dump-and-Bake Chicken and Rice Casserole. It's hearty, comforting, and only requires a few minutes of "dumping" before the oven does all the hard work!

 

🍽️ Recipe: Budget-Friendly Dump-and-Bake Chicken & Rice Casserole

 

This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimum effort and cost. No pre-browning, no pre-cooking the rice, and only one dish to wash!

 

Prep Time: 5 minutes

 

 

Cook Time: 60-70 minutes

 

 

Servings: 4-6 people

 

 

Cost Estimate: ~$1.50 - $2.00 per serving (varies by location/sales)

 

 

🛒 Ingredients

 

Category Item Quantity Notes
Protein Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs 1.5 lbs (about 3-4 pieces) Thighs stay moister and are often cheaper.
Grains Long-grain white rice, uncooked 1.5 cups Do not use minute rice or brown rice.
Liquid Chicken broth (low-sodium) 3 cups Or a combination of water and bouillon paste/cubes.
Creaminess Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup 1 (10.5 oz) can Or Cream of Mushroom, Celery, or Cheddar.
Flavor/Seasoning Dried Onion Flakes 1 Tablespoon Or 1 tsp Onion Powder.
Flavor/Seasoning Garlic Powder 1 teaspoon
Flavor/Seasoning Dried Italian Seasoning Blend 1 teaspoon
Seasoning Salt and Black Pepper To taste Start with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper.
Optional Topping Shredded Cheddar Cheese 1/2 cup Added in the last 10 minutes.

 

👩‍🍳 Instructions

 

 

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish (or a similar size casserole dish) with cooking spray.

 

Step 2: The Dump

 

  1. Add the Rice and Soup: Pour the uncooked rice into the prepared baking dish and spread it in an even layer. Spoon the can of condensed soup directly over the rice.
  2. Mix the Liquid: In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, onion flakes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until the seasonings are well combined.
  3. Pour and Stir: Pour the seasoned broth mixture evenly over the rice and soup. Give it a gentle stir right in the dish to combine the liquid, soup, and rice. Do not over-mix.

 

Step 3: The Chicken

 

  1. Place the chicken pieces (breasts or thighs) directly on top of the rice and soup mixture. They can be nestled slightly into the liquid, but should mostly sit on the surface.
  2. Sprinkle the tops of the chicken pieces with a little extra salt and pepper. Pro Tip: For a nice golden finish, you can also sprinkle a little paprika on the chicken.

 

Step 4: Bake & Wait

 

  1. Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This is crucial for trapping the steam needed to cook the rice!
  2. Bake for 45 minutes covered.
  3. Carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

 

Step 5: Finish & Serve (Optional Cheese)

 

  1. If using the optional shredded cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking.
  2. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven—this allows the rice to finish absorbing any remaining liquid and the casserole to set.
  3. Dig in! Serve hot right from the dish.

 

💡 Dump-and-Go Pro-Tips

 

  • Don't Substitute the Rice: Using quick-cooking, instant, or brown rice will result in a dry or mushy mess. Stick to standard long-grain white rice for this dump recipe.
  • Keep it Covered: The aluminum foil acts like a mini-steamer, ensuring the uncooked rice gets perfectly tender. Don't peek too often, and make sure it's sealed tight for the first 45 minutes!
  • Add Veggies: To make it a complete meal, "dump" in a bag of frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) with the rice and broth before adding the chicken. No need to thaw!
  • Boost the Flavor: A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard whisked into the broth can add surprising depth to the final dish.

 

💰 Why It's a "Dump CHEAP Meal"

 

This casserole is a winner for anyone watching their spending:

  1. Inexpensive Staples: It relies on very affordable pantry items—rice, broth, and condensed soup—which can be bought in bulk or on sale.
  2. Versatile Protein: Chicken thighs are one of the most budget-friendly meat cuts, but you can also use bone-in pieces or even canned tuna/cooked ground beef (adjusting cook time).
  3. One-Dish Cleanup: Saving on time and water/soap by only dirtying one casserole dish is a hidden budget booster!

Enjoy the easiest, most satisfying meal you've ever made. Happy dumping!

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