Description
Chicken And Rice Casserole is a comforting, satisfying, and easy-to-make dish combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and mixed vegetables baked together in a creamy sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this one-dish meal offers minimal prep time and utilizes simple pantry staples for a warm, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
Grains
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
Liquids & Dairy
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream or 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 to 1.5 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans)
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, finely chop the onion and garlic, and measure the rice and chicken broth. Gather all other ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
- Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the diced chicken and cook until it just starts to brown, about 4-5 minutes. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
- Combine Ingredients in Casserole Dish: Transfer the sautéed chicken, onion, and garlic mixture to a casserole dish. Stir in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, sour cream or cream cheese, mixed vegetables, salt, pepper, and herbs. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bake Until Tender: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the broth and cook fully while the chicken finishes cooking.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Notes
- Cut chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Do not skip the chicken broth; it keeps the rice moist and flavorful.
- Covering with foil during baking locks in steam, essential for tender rice.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for brighter flavor.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to thicken and settle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg