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Enjoy a comforting and hearty meal with our Classic Baked Chicken & Rice Casserole! Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and flavorful seasonings come together in this easy and delicious dish. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep. 😋
Gluten-Free Baked Chicken & Rice Casserole
Ready to cozy up with a dish that promises to be a new family favorite? Let’s talk about our Baked Chicken & Rice Casserole—a comforting, one-dish wonder that’s packed with flavor and super easy to make. This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a hearty blend of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and just the right seasonings to make your taste buds sing.
Here’s a little chef’s tip that makes all the difference: start by sautéing red onion and toasting the brown rice right in the skillet. This step not only deepens the flavors but also introduces a wonderful texture to the rice. Once you’ve browned the chicken, don’t forget to deglaze the pan with some chicken broth. Those caramelized bits left on the bottom? They’re gold! They pack a punch of savory goodness that infuses the entire dish with incredible depth.
As you transfer that golden liquid into the casserole dish along with the rest of your ingredients, you’re setting the stage for a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare. This Baked Chicken & Rice Casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something satisfying on the table without a lot of fuss. It’s also great for meal prep, as it reheats beautifully, ensuring you have a tasty, homemade meal ready to go on demand.
So, preheat your oven and get ready to create a meal that’s sure to warm hearts and fill bellies. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to add a new staple to your dinner rotation, this casserole is the comforting classic you didn’t know you needed.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: Approximately 1 hour
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 2 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 4-oz. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ medium red onion, diced
- 1 c. long-grain brown rice, rinsed and drained
- 3 c. chicken broth, preferably organic
- Optional: Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Set aside.
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and season with salt and black pepper, if desired. Cook until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Add onion and rice to the prepared baking dish. Season with salt and black pepper, if desired, and stir to combine. Pour the chicken broth over the rice and arrange the seared breasts on top of the rice mixture.
- Tightly cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked through.
- Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork. Serve immediately and enjoy!
