Introduction:
This Italian Chicken Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s packed with tender chicken, flavorful herbs, and a creamy, cheesy rice base. The combination of Italian seasoning, garlic, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. One pot, one baking dish, and you’re ready to enjoy a hearty, delicious meal!
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional:
1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup olives, sliced (black or green)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Cook the Rice: If you haven’t already cooked the rice, cook it according to package instructions. Set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pan over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, diced tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and oregano.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Description:
This Italian Chicken Rice Casserole combines the comforting flavors of tender chicken, creamy rice, and savory Italian seasonings, all baked together to perfection. The cheese melts beautifully, creating a rich, creamy texture, while the seasonings provide a warm, aromatic foundation. It’s the perfect dish to make ahead for a busy week or serve to guests for a cozy family dinner.
Tips:
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds extra flavor to the casserole.
Make It Creamier: For extra creaminess, add an additional half cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the casserole mixture.
Add Veggies: You can incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or spinach to make the dish more nutritious.
Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a larger crowd, you can double the ingredients and bake it in a larger dish.
Adjust the Cheese: Feel free to swap the mozzarella for other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for different flavor profiles.
Variations:
Add Italian Sausage: For a heartier option, try adding some cooked Italian sausage along with the chicken for a more robust flavor.
Spicy Option: Add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to bring a little heat to the casserole.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant for a delicious vegetarian casserole.
Corrections:
Don’t Overcook the Rice: Since the rice will continue to cook in the casserole, make sure it’s slightly undercooked before adding it to the dish. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering the casserole with foil while baking ensures the rice stays moist and doesn’t dry out during cooking.
Enjoy:
This Italian Chicken Rice Casserole is the perfect balance of cheesy, savory goodness. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or prepping for the week ahead, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every comforting bite of this easy, satisfying dish!