Description
This Italian Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful one-dish meal perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. It combines tender shredded chicken, long grain white rice, and a rich blend of marinara, cream, and Italian seasonings baked to perfection and topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the diced onion and bell pepper for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, marinara sauce, sautéed onions and peppers, shredded chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to blend all components.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Broil Cheese: Remove the foil and broil the casserole for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken can save preparation time without sacrificing flavor.
- For a twist, substitute marinara sauce with sun-dried tomato pesto for a richer taste.
- Add chopped spinach or mushrooms to increase vegetable content and nutritional value.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
