Chicken and rice casserole is a hearty meal that is also inexpensive and simple to prepare. Both chicken and rice are versatile ingredients that can be mixed with a variety of ingredients and seasonings to create a meal that is well-balanced and nutritious. With a few tips and techniques, your casserole will emerge from the oven steaming hot with juicy chicken and fluffy rice. Serve with fresh baked muffins for a meal that is delicious any time of the year.
Step 1
Place 2 tbsp. of olive oil in a large skillet and heat to medium. Add the chicken breasts and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until they begin to turn golden brown. Flip and continue cooking until the outside is golden brown and no longer pink. The chicken does not need to be cooked all the way through because it will finish cooking in the oven.
Step 2
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the chicken from the skillet and arrange it in a casserole dish. Pour rice around the chicken pieces and then add the chicken broth. Dice the onion and celery and scatter on top of the rice, along with the minced garlic, bay leaves and oregano.
Step 3
Place the casserole dish in the hot oven and cook until the liquid has completely absorbed, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 4
Remove the casserole dish from the oven and allow to it cool slightly. To serve, place a piece of chicken on a plate with a generous helping of rice, being sure to include some of the roasted vegetables from the top of the casserole.
Tips and Warnings
- Your favorite casserole ingredients can be added to this recipe to change the taste. Low-fat creamy soup can replace some of the chicken broth for a thicker texture, or add a bit of white wine with the chicken broth. Use your favorite vegetables in place of the celery and onion. Fresh green beans or squash are healthy accompaniments that will complement the taste of chicken. Try brown rice in place of white for a slightly nuttier taste and healthy boost of fiber.
- Do not open the oven while your casserole is cooking, because if the heat escapes it will take longer to cook through.
Things You'll Need
- 4 bone-in chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Large skillet
- 1 yellow onion
- 3 stalks celery
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tsp. dried oregano
- 2 cups rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper
- Casserole dish
References
- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Eating Well on a Budget"; Lucy Beale and Jessica Partridge; 2010
- "The Best Casserole Cookbook Ever"; Beatrice Ojakangas and Susie Cushner; 2008
- The Culinary Institute of America; How to Cook Rice
Member Comments