why make this recipe
Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and colorful vegetables in one easy-to-make dish. Plus, it’s a great way to use up ingredients in your pantry. This recipe is both satisfying and nutritious, making it a great choice for any meal.
how to make Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients :
- Cooking spray
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 1 1/2 cups white rice, rinsed
- 1 (14-oz.) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 Tbsp. kosher salt
- 3/4 tsp. chipotle chile powder
- 3/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp. ground cumin
- 3/4 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 3 (6- to 8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 red or orange bell peppers, sliced into 1/4" strips
- 1 medium red onion, sliced into 1/4" strips
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and sliced into 1/4" strips
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded yellow or white cheddar
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving
- Pico de gallo, for serving
- Sour cream, for serving
- Warm flour tortillas, for serving
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 13" x 9" baking pan with cooking spray.
- Dissolve the bouillon cube in 2/3 cup boiling water in a small heatproof bowl.
- Spread the rinsed rice in the prepared pan, then pour in the bouillon liquid and fire-roasted tomatoes, stirring to combine. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, chile powder, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and black pepper. Pat the chicken dry and season all over with half the seasoning mix.
- After removing the pan from the oven, uncover and arrange the seasoned chicken on top of the rice.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced bell peppers, onion, jalapeños, garlic, and remaining seasoning mix, then arrange it on top and around the chicken. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Bake the casserole until the rice is cooked and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 155 degrees, about 35 to 40 minutes.
- Remove the dish from the oven, set it to broil, and remove the foil. Top with the shredded cheese, broiling until melted and bubbly, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, slice if desired, and serve with the cooked peppers and rice, cilantro, pico de gallo, sour cream, and warm tortillas.
how to serve Chicken and Rice Casserole
Serve the casserole hot from the oven. You can place the sliced chicken on a plate with the rice and vegetables. Top it with fresh cilantro, pico de gallo, and sour cream for extra flavor. Warm flour tortillas are perfect for scooping up the casserole or wrapping around the chicken and rice.
how to store Chicken and Rice Casserole
Allow any leftover casserole to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, transfer the cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container, and it will last for about 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
tips to make Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Make sure to rinse the rice well before using it. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from being gummy.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences. You can add corn, peas, or any other favorite veggies.
- Use different types of cheese for varied flavors. Cheddar and Monterey Jack are great options.
variation
You can turn this casserole into a spicy version by adding more jalapeños or using a spicier cheese. For a lighter version, substitute brown rice for white rice and use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just increase the baking time when you’re ready to cook it.
3. What sides go well with Chicken and Rice Casserole?
A simple green salad or some steamed vegetables make great sides for this dish.
