Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

There is something truly comforting and soul-satisfying about a warm, hearty casserole that brings the whole family together, and this Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe does just that in the most delicious way. With tender chicken thighs, perfectly cooked rice infused with savory Italian flavors, and a gooey blanket of melted mozzarella, this dish effortlessly combines convenience with mouthwatering taste. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a meal to impress your loved ones, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing harmony of texture and flavor that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays an essential role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe so irresistible. From the fragrant garlic and diced bell pepper adding pops of freshness to the cozy chicken broth that brings it all together—every component counts.

• Long-grain white rice (1 1/2 cups): Acts as the comforting base, providing a tender, fluffy texture that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
• Low-sodium chicken broth (3 cups): Adds richness and depth without overpowering, perfect for gently cooking the rice.
• Garlic cloves, minced (2): Infuses the dish with its signature aromatic punch.
• Small onion, diced (1): Offers a subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch when sautéed.
• Red bell pepper, diced (1): Provides vibrant color and a mild, sweet flavor to brighten the casserole.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the veggies and enhancing the overall richness.
• Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (6 to 8): Juicy and tender, these pieces add heartiness and hold up beautifully in the oven.
• Dried Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean flair.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the natural flavors and balances the seasoning.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a gentle touch of heat and complexity.
• Canned diced tomatoes, undrained (14.5-ounce can): Contributes tangy juiciness and moistens the rice and chicken.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Creates a melty, golden topping that’s simply irresistible.
• Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a refreshing burst of green and subtle herbal notes.

How to Make Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Gather Ingredients

First off, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s always helpful to have everything ready and measured out—this keeps the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic, diced onion, and red bell pepper. Sauté until everything is soft, fragrant, and slightly translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This step wakes up those flavors and builds a tasty foundation for your casserole.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Next, add the long-grain white rice to the skillet and stir it for two minutes. Toasting the rice lightly not only enhances its nutty aroma but also gives the rice a bit more structure during baking, making every bite a delight.

Step 4: Combine Broth and Simmer

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, stirring to combine it with the toasted rice and sautéed vegetables. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This allows the rice to start absorbing flavors even before it hits the oven.

Step 5: Season and Add Chicken

While the rice simmers, season the bone-in chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Nestle these flavorful pieces into the rice mixture right in your oven-proof skillet, making sure they’re nestled comfortably surrounded by those tasty ingredients.

Step 6: Add Tomatoes for Juiciness

Pour the undrained canned diced tomatoes evenly over the chicken and rice. The juices will seep into the mixture as it bakes, keeping the dish moist and beautifully rich.

Step 7: Bake Covered

Cover the skillet tightly with foil or a lid to trap steam, then bake the casserole for 35 to 40 minutes. This slow, even cooking ensures the chicken is tender and fully cooked, while the rice absorbs all that savory liquid and softens perfectly.

Step 8: Melt the Cheese

Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the casserole. Pop it back into the oven uncovered for 5 minutes to melt the cheese completely and develop a golden, bubbly top that’s simply mouthwatering.

Step 9: Rest and Garnish

Once done, let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, adding a bright, fresh touch that balances all the rich flavors.

How to Serve Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a classic finish that adds both vibrant color and a hint of herbal brightness. You might also consider a few thin lemon slices or some freshly grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor that complements the Italian herbs beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole is lovely on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette or a side of steamed green beans. If you want something heartier, roasted vegetables or garlic bread are fantastic companions, soaking up any leftover juices with ease.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests, consider plating the Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe in shallow bowls so the layers of chicken, rice, and melted cheese are visible, making it as beautiful as it is delicious. You could also garnish individual servings with a sprinkle of red chili flakes for a subtle kick or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil to elevate the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making the next meal just as delicious if not better!

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole, ideally before adding the mozzarella cheese topping. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 to 25 minutes. Adding a bit more shredded mozzarella on top before reheating can help recreate that fresh-from-the-oven cheesiness.

FAQs

Can I use different cuts of chicken for this casserole?

Absolutely! While bone-in, skinless thighs are tender and flavorful, boneless thighs or breasts can also work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—breasts tend to cook a bit faster and you want to avoid drying them out.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses rice instead of pasta. Just be sure your chicken broth and canned tomatoes are labeled gluten-free to avoid any hidden gluten.

Can I substitute brown rice for white rice?

You can, but keep in mind brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You would need to increase the broth and bake for additional time to ensure the rice is done without drying out the chicken. It’s a great option if you prefer a nuttier flavor and more fiber.

How spicy is this casserole?

This dish is mild and comforting, focusing on savory Italian herbs rather than heat. If you love some spice, you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes during the seasoning step or sprinkle some on top before serving.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, by skipping the chicken and adding hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant you can create a wonderful vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it flavorful and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Cooking this Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is like giving yourself a warm, delicious hug from the inside out. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that bursts with classic Italian flavors and satisfying comfort, perfect for any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own cozy favorite—you’re going to love how effortlessly it brings joy to the table!

Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.2 from 79 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

This Italian Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting one-pan meal combining tender bone-in chicken thighs with flavorful long-grain rice cooked in a savory blend of garlic, onion, bell pepper, and diced tomatoes. Baked to perfection with Italian herbs and finished with gooey melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is both hearty and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a family dinner.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 to 8 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and gather all your ingredients to have them ready for cooking.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, diced onion, and red bell pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Toast Rice: Add 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toast the rice for approximately 2 minutes, stirring to lightly brown and enhance its nutty flavor.
4. Add Broth: Pour in 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, gently stirring to combine with the rice and vegetables. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer.
5. Season & Arrange Chicken: Season 6 to 8 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. Nestle the chicken pieces evenly into the rice mixture in the skillet.
6. Add Tomatoes: Pour the undrained 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes over the chicken and rice, allowing the juice to enrich the dish.
7. Bake Covered: Cover the skillet with foil or a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
8. Add Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return it uncovered to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
9. Rest & Garnish: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

• Use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
• If you prefer, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
• Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
• For a lower-fat version, reduce the oil to 1 tablespoon and use part-skim mozzarella cheese.
• You can garnish with fresh basil or oregano as alternatives to parsley for added Italian flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian