Comforting Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

Best Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

Introduction

Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and creamy broth. It’s perfect for a family dinner or any gathering. The best part? It’s simple to make and requires minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one dish!

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a great choice for several reasons. First, it is incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have a delicious meal on the table in less than two hours. Second, it’s a complete meal in one dish, which means you don’t need to worry about preparing sides. Finally, this casserole is perfect for leftovers, as it tastes just as good the next day!

How to Make Best Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

Making this delightful casserole is straightforward. Just follow these easy steps:

Ingredients:

2 cups long grain white rice (basmati or jasmine preferred)
1 medium white onion (diced)
6 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
5 to 6 chicken thighs (bone in, skin on)
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Directions:

Preheat oven. Grease pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Dice the onion and melt the butter.
Prepare rice mixture in pan: In your prepared baking dish, combine the rice, diced onion, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, and flour. Stir until the flour is well mixed.
Combine liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to mix everything together.
Add chicken to pan. Season chicken: Place the chicken thighs, skin-side up, on top of the rice mixture. Brush the chicken with the remaining melted butter. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.
Cover with foil. Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
Continue to bake. Broil if desired. Serve: After an hour, remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through, and the skin should be crispy. For extra crispy skin, you can place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.

How to Serve Best Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

Serve this casserole hot from the oven! It’s perfect as is, but you may want to add a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables on the side for a complete meal.

How to Store Best Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or bake until hot.

Tips to Make Best Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

Make sure to use good quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
Feel free to substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer.
Experiment with other seasonings according to your taste!
If you want a creamier texture, you can add more heavy cream.

Variation

You can customize this casserole by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the rice mixture before baking.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid since brown rice typically takes longer to cook.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes! You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, follow the same cooking instructions but add a little extra time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I serve with Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole?
- This dish is filling on its own but pairs well with a side salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread.