Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Imagine the cozy aromas of tender chicken, sun-ripened tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and gooey cheese wafting through your kitchen—this is the magic of Italian Chicken Rice Casserole. An absolute weeknight hero, this casserole brings together everything you love about Italian comfort food in one bubbling dish: juicy morsels of chicken, creamy rice, and enough cheese to satisfy any craving. Not only is it outrageously flavorful, it’s a complete meal baked together with minimal fuss, making it perfect for busy evenings or when you want to treat your friends and family with a hug from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Italian Chicken Rice Casserole is its simple line-up of ingredients, each playing a key role in building layers of flavor, creamy texture, and that irresistible golden top. Gather these pantry and fridge staples, and you’ll see how they shine in every bite.
- Olive oil: Adds a foundational richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender chunks bring lean protein and soak up all those lovely Italian flavors.
- Yellow onion: Offers sweetness and depth as the aromatic backbone of the casserole.
- Garlic: Infuses gentle heat and unmistakable savory zing.
- Red bell pepper: Brings pop of color and a subtle sweetness that brightens up every forkful.
- Italian seasoning: The signature blend that ties everything together with classic Mediterranean herbs.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the other flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper: Provides a subtle kick and earthy warmth.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice: Absorbs flavors while yielding a creamy, tender texture.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Moistens the rice and ensures every bite is juicy and rich.
- Diced tomatoes (drained): Add brightness and tang, with just the right amount of juice so the casserole isn’t soupy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Packs a nutty, salty punch that melts into the rice for irresistible umami.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers that classic, stretchy melted cheese finish on top.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkles a fresh, herby finish over the entire dish.
How to Make Italian Chicken Rice Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go by the time you assemble your Italian Chicken Rice Casserole. This will ensure even cooking and perfectly tender rice. Grab a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan—something with high enough sides to hold all your delicious layers.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Pour the olive oil into your heated pan and swirl to coat the bottom. Scatter in the chicken pieces, letting them sizzle for about 4 to 5 minutes. They don’t need to cook through yet—just get them lightly browned on the outside, which locks in their juices and builds flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Soften the Vegetables
Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper. Stir them with the chicken, letting everything mingle and mellow for another 3 to 4 minutes. The veggies should just start to soften and fill your kitchen with those unmistakable Italian aromas.
Step 4: Build the Casserole Base
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, followed by the uncooked rice. Pour the chicken broth over everything and gently fold in the drained diced tomatoes. The rice will soon soak up every drop of flavor, so be sure to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan!
Step 5: Add Parmesan Magic
Take the pan off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This secret step adds a velvety richness to the rice and ties all the ingredients together, making the final casserole super comforting.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover your skillet tightly with foil or a lid and slide it into the oven. Let your Italian Chicken Rice Casserole bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the rice is perfectly tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. This gentle cooking steams the rice and melds the flavors beautifully.
Step 7: Finish with Mozzarella
Remove the foil and sprinkle the luscious mozzarella cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden. This irresistibly melted topping is the finishing touch!
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your casserole rest for a few minutes. Scatter over chopped fresh parsley if you like an herby, vibrant finish. Dig in while it’s warm and let everyone marvel at this cozy, one-pan Italian classic.
How to Serve Italian Chicken Rice Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a classic finishing touch, adding a burst of color and a fresh, mildly peppery taste that perks up every serving of Italian Chicken Rice Casserole. If you want even more zing, a dusting of extra Parmesan or a few ribbons of fresh basil can take things up a notch. For a homey touch, serve it with a crack of freshly ground black pepper on top.
Side Dishes
This dish is a crowd-pleaser all on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette makes for a complete Italian-style meal. A basket of warm, crusty bread is wonderful for soaking up any cheesy edges. For something brighter, roasted or steamed green beans or broccoli will provide a lovely contrast and pop of color alongside your Italian Chicken Rice Casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner, try spooning portions into individual ramekins and garnishing with a mini sprig of parsley for a restaurant-style vibe. If you’re serving family-style, take it straight from oven to table in your skillet for that rustic, homemade look. Feeling playful? Try slicing the casserole into squares and packing it into lunchboxes for a satisfying, portable meal—the flavors hold up beautifully, even when reheated.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Chicken Rice Casserole keeps very well in the refrigerator. Simply cover the skillet or transfer the remaining portions to an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for three to four days. The flavors only deepen and improve as they mingle in the fridge, making leftovers a lunch to look forward to.
Freezing
To freeze, divide cooled casserole into individual servings for easy portioning. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in freezer-safe containers. Italian Chicken Rice Casserole can be frozen for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the reheating tips below.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered, until warmed through—about 20 minutes for a large portion. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too; cover the dish with a damp paper towel and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a splash of broth if needed to keep the rice moist and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice brings a nutty flavor and extra fiber to Italian Chicken Rice Casserole, but you’ll need to add a bit more broth and increase the baking time by 15 to 20 minutes. Check for doneness before removing from the oven.
Is there a way to make this casserole creamier?
Yes, and it’s a delicious option! For a more indulgent version, stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream right before topping with mozzarella. This little upgrade makes the rice ultra-creamy and adds a luxurious texture.
Can I use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken?
Definitely. Simply shred or dice your cooked chicken and add it with the vegetables in step three. Since the chicken is already cooked, you can reduce the searing time and continue with the recipe as instructed.
Do I need a skillet, or can I use a casserole dish?
A large oven-safe skillet streamlines everything in one pan, but you can certainly start the recipe in a sauté pan and then transfer everything to a greased casserole dish before baking. The result will be just as delicious!
Is Italian Chicken Rice Casserole gluten-free?
Yes, this casserole is naturally gluten-free, as long as you check that your chicken broth and seasonings don’t contain any hidden gluten. It’s a great choice for sharing with friends and family who have dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, soul-warming dish that’s as easy as it is satisfying, you simply have to try Italian Chicken Rice Casserole. With layers of flavor, melty cheese, and kitchen-filling aromas, it’s a sure bet for busy weeknights or gatherings big and small. Give it a go and savor the kind of comfort only a trusty homemade casserole can deliver!
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Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, aromatic Italian seasoning, and cheesy goodness with rice in a baked casserole. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned.
- Sauté vegetables: Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook for another 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, rice, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer, remove from heat, and stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the skillet and bake for 35–40 minutes until rice is tender. Uncover, sprinkle mozzarella, and bake for additional 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be made ahead and reheated.
- For a creamier version, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before adding the mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
