Savory Herb Chicken Rice Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 55 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Savory Herb Chicken Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and cheesy goodness. It's an all-in-one dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients for Savory Herb Chicken Rice Casserole

Chicken breast provides lean protein, ensuring the dish is hearty and satisfying. Long grain white rice soaks up all the delicious flavors, creating a perfectly fluffy base. Chicken broth adds depth and richness to the rice, while milk gives it a creamy texture. Onion and garlic form the aromatic foundation, bringing out the savory notes. Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness, balancing the dish. Shredded cheddar cheese melts into a gooey, golden topping. Olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics and brown the chicken, enhancing their flavors. The herbs, thyme and rosemary, infuse the casserole with a delightful, earthy aroma. Salt and black pepper season the dish perfectly, while chopped parsley adds a fresh, vibrant finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in some olive oil, garlic, and herbs for an hour before cooking.
  • If your rice tends to stick, rinse it under cold water before mixing it with the broth and milk.
  • To make it even healthier, substitute brown rice, but increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli. A glass of chilled white wine can complement the cheesy, herb-infused flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and remain juicy after baking.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
Feel free to substitute with mozzarella or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Savory Herb Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it'll be ready to go once you assemble everything. In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them just until they're translucent, releasing their wonderful aroma.

Next, add the chicken breast pieces to the skillet. Season them with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s slightly browned on all sides but not cooked through; it'll finish cooking in the oven.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, milk, thyme, rosemary, and rice. Stir it all together to ensure the herbs are well distributed. Then, pour this mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Arrange the browned chicken pieces over the rice mixture, ensuring they’re distributed evenly so each serving gets a bit of everything. Sprinkle the frozen peas across the top, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb all those flavors. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This final step lets the cheese get bubbly and golden.

Once it's out of the oven, let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes. This makes it easier to serve and enhances the flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh touch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with minimal cleanup.
  • Rich, savory flavors that satisfy every palate.
  • Uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken breast
2 cups long grain white rice
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup chopped parsley for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
3. Add chicken breast to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until slightly browned.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken broth, milk, thyme, rosemary, and rice.
5. Transfer the rice mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. Arrange the cooked chicken pieces evenly over the rice.
7. Sprinkle frozen peas and shredded cheddar cheese on top.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.

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