Description
Chicken rice casserole brings comfort straight from Italian kitchens to your dinner table. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish turns simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug from Nonna.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 chicken breasts
Starches:
- 2 cups white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
- Grab a large 9×13 inch baking dish and pour 2 cups of uncooked white rice into the bottom, creating an even layer.
- Pour 4 cups of chicken broth directly over the rice, making sure all grains are submerged.
- Sprinkle 1 finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves across the rice mixture for even distribution.
- Add 1 cup of julienned sun-dried tomatoes and 1 cup of baby spinach, gently mixing them into the rice.
- Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil, plus salt and pepper to your taste preference.
- Carefully place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the seasoned rice, positioning them evenly.
- Generously shower 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the entire casserole, covering chicken and rice completely.
- Seal the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, preventing moisture from escaping during cooking.
- Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven and bake for exactly 40 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Remove the foil and switch your oven to broil at 500°F for 4-5 minutes to create a golden, crispy cheese topping.
- After broiling, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle over the top just before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs if prefer more tender meat and deeper flavor.
- Rinse rice before mixing to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition and color.
- For gluten-free version, confirm broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg