Chicken And Rice Casserole

Looking for a quick, wholesome dinner idea the whole family will love? This easy chicken casserole recipe is the ultimate in healthy comfort food! Made with tender chicken, hearty brown rice, and nutrient-packed veggies, this baked casserole is not only delicious but also nourishing. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it’s the best-ever casserole to satisfy your cravings for warm, hearty meals. Give this recipe a try, and it might just become your new go-to healthy dinner!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups uncooked brown rice

• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 lb (2–3 pieces) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

• 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped small

• 1 medium carrot, shredded

• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)

• ½ cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (optional topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

2. Prepare Rice Base: Spread the uncooked brown rice evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish. Pour the chicken broth over the rice.

3. Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Add Vegetables: Evenly distribute the onion, garlic, spinach, broccoli, and carrot over the rice in the dish.

5. Add Chicken: Layer the seasoned chicken pieces over the vegetables and rice.

6. Bake Uncovered: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

7. Optional Creaminess: After 40 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Stir in the Greek yogurt (if using) to add creaminess. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, uncovered.

8. Add Cheese Topping: If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Check Doneness: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C), and the rice is tender.

10. Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy as a complete, balanced meal!

Nutritional Content (per serving):

Approximate values based on 6 servings, without optional cheese or yogurt.

• Calories: 290

• Protein: 26g

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Fiber: 3g

• Fat: 5g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Sodium: 360mg

Things You'll Love About This Recipe:

• Wholesome & Balanced: Packed with lean protein, whole grains, and nutrient-dense vegetables.

• Meal Prep Friendly: Makes 6 servings, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or reheatable lunches.

• Customizable: Swap out vegetables, adjust seasonings, or add your favorite toppings.

• Minimal Cleanup: Everything bakes in one dish!

Expert Tips for Best Results:

1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse the brown rice under cold water before adding it to the dish to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.

2. Cut Evenly: Chop chicken and vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.

3. Don't Overcrowd: Spread ingredients evenly to ensure proper baking and consistent results.

4. Check Liquid: If the rice isn’t tender after baking, add an additional ¼–½ cup of hot broth and bake for 5–10 more minutes.

5. Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle and the rice to absorb any extra moisture.

Substitutions:

• Chicken: Use skinless chicken thighs or ground chicken instead of chicken breasts.

• Vegetables: Try zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas in place of broccoli or spinach.

• Rice: Swap brown rice with quinoa, wild rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option (adjust liquid and cook time accordingly).

• Cheese: Use a dairy-free shredded cheese for a vegan-friendly topping, or skip entirely.

• Broth: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian if using plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair It With: A side salad with light vinaigrette or roasted asparagus for an extra serving of vegetables.

• Toppings: Garnish with fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor.

• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.