Print

Chicken And Rice Casserole

Chicken And Rice Casserole
Print Recipe

This Chicken And Rice Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a blend of savory flavors. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s family-friendly, customizable, and delivers a warm, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces

Rice & Broth

  • 1 cup white or brown rice, rinsed
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

  • 1 to 1 ½ cups frozen or fresh vegetables (such as peas, carrots, corn, broccoli)

Dairy

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), divided

Fats & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, finely chop the onions and garlic, and rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring better texture after baking.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they start to turn golden but are not fully cooked through.
  3. Combine Rice and Liquids: Transfer the sautéed chicken and aromatics to a baking dish. Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings. Gently stir to evenly distribute the rice and submerge it in the liquid.
  4. Add Vegetables and Cheese: Sprinkle the chosen vegetables and half of the shredded cheese over the mixture to maintain moisture inside while allowing a cheesy crust to form on top.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 minutes. Remove foil, add the remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use chicken broth instead of water to enhance the depth of flavor.
  • Rinse rice before cooking to avoid clumpiness and ensure fluffy texture.
  • Bone-in chicken thighs are preferred for extra moistness and flavor but boneless thighs or breasts work well.
  • Add fresh herbs after baking to preserve their bright aroma.
  • Cover the casserole tightly while baking to trap steam and cook rice evenly.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, chicken and rice, one-pan meal, easy dinner, family-friendly, comfort food

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/chicken-and-rice-casserole/