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Smothered Chicken and Rice Casserole

Smothered Chicken and Rice Casserole
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Smothered Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one dish featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked rice. Ready in under an hour, it combines simple, wholesome ingredients into a hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. This versatile casserole is easy to customize to suit various tastes and dietary preferences, making it a dependable and satisfying choice.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Grains

  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice

Liquids

  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced (or peas or a mix)

Dairy

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop your chosen vegetables. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Measure out the rice and chicken broth to have everything ready for a smooth cooking process.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on the outside but not fully cooked through. This step locks in the juices and adds depth of flavor.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: In the same skillet, add diced onion, minced garlic, and vegetables. Cook until softened and fragrant, building a savory base for the casserole.
  4. Combine Ingredients in Casserole Dish: Grease a casserole dish and layer the uncooked rice evenly on the bottom. Add the seared chicken and sautéed vegetables on top. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the sour cream or cream cheese. Mix gently to combine everything evenly.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for deeper flavor if time allows.
  • Don’t skip searing the chicken to add caramelization and texture.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to set and let flavors meld.
  • Adjust the amount of broth depending on your rice type; brown rice requires more liquid.
  • Stir in fresh parsley or thyme before serving for a bright, fresh note.

Nutrition

Keywords: smothered chicken casserole, chicken and rice bake, comforting chicken recipe, easy casserole recipe, creamy chicken casserole, one-dish dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/smothered-chicken-and-rice-casserole-3/