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Chicken And Rice Casserole

Chicken And Rice Casserole
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This Chicken And Rice Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and flavorful vegetables baked together in one dish for a wholesome, family-friendly meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced

Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

Liquids

  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil

Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

  • 1 cup frozen or fresh vegetables (peas, carrots, broccoli, or a mix)

Cheese (Optional)

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp dried herbs (such as thyme, parsley, or oregano)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop the onion and garlic, and measure out the rice and chicken broth.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add diced chicken and sauté until it starts to brown but is not fully cooked through.
  3. Combine Everything in the Casserole Dish: Transfer the sautéed chicken, onions, and garlic into the greased casserole dish. Add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, vegetables, salt, pepper, and herbs. Stir gently to combine evenly.
  4. Bake Until Tender: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil to trap steam. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and the chicken to cook through completely.
  5. Add Cheese and Finish Baking (Optional): Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top if desired. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden.

Notes

  • Use fresh chicken broth for the best flavor.
  • Sautéing the chicken first helps lock in juices and enhances flavor.
  • Keep the casserole covered with foil during baking to ensure the rice stays moist and steams properly.
  • If the rice is not fully cooked after baking, add a splash of broth, cover, and bake a little longer.
  • Customize the vegetables seasonally based on what’s fresh or available frozen in your pantry.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, rice casserole, easy chicken dinner, baked chicken and rice, family-friendly casserole

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