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
Scale
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
