Chicken and Rice Casserole
This homemade Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken, rice, and a flavorful blend of herbs and veggies. Topped with melted cheddar and crispy French fried onions, it's easy to prepare with a total cook time of 1 hour 15 minutes. This affordable and delicious casserole serves 6-8 and makes for great leftovers.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking dish (9x13 inches)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup French fried onions
Topping
- 1 cup French fried onions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Cook Chicken:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent. Add dried thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Stir to combine.
Add Rice:
- Add rice to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine Chicken and Rice:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in chicken broth, add frozen peas and diced carrots. Stir well.
Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Add Cheese and French Fried Onions:
- Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and French fried onions over the casserole. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is melted, and onions are golden brown.
Rest and Serve:
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with additional French fried onions before serving if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the vegetables to your liking.
- This casserole reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers.
- Adjust the seasoning and cheese quantity based on your preference