Italian Chicken Rice Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful Italian seasonings, rice, and cheese. Here’s a recipe to help you make this savory casserole:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
- Cook Rice: Cook the white rice according to package instructions until it’s just tender. Set aside.
- Cook Chicken Mixture:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the chicken pieces. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients:
- To the skillet with the chicken and vegetables, add the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
- Assemble Casserole:
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked rice evenly on the bottom.
- Spoon half of the chicken and vegetable mixture over the rice.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining rice, chicken mixture, and cheeses.
- Pour Chicken Broth:
- Carefully pour the chicken broth evenly over the casserole to moisten everything and allow the flavors to meld during baking.
- Bake:
- Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the foil and switch the oven to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Italian Chicken Rice Casserole with a side of salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
This Italian-inspired casserole is sure to become a family favorite with its hearty flavors and comforting appeal. Adjust the seasonings or add vegetables according to your taste preferences for a personalized touch. Buon appetite!
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