Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that brings together vibrant flavors and effortless cooking, this Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs nestled in a perfectly cooked bed of garlic-infused rice, bubbling with tomatoes and topped with golden, melted mozzarella. Every bite offers a delicious balance of textures and that warm, inviting taste of classic Italian seasoning. This dish is simple enough for a weekday dinner yet impressive enough for entertaining family and friends. Let me take you through everything you’ll need and how to make this irresistible Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe come to life.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each component plays a key role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make this casserole truly special.

• Long-grain white rice: The base that soaks up all the savory juices while keeping a fluffy texture.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds deep, rich flavor without overwhelming the dish’s natural tones.
• Garlic: Freshly minced to infuse a fragrant, aromatic layer to the rice.
• Small onion: Diced for a subtle sweetness that balances the savory chicken.
• Red bell pepper: Provides a pop of color and a hint of natural sweetness.
• Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and adding a silky mouthfeel to the vegetables.
• Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful cuts that remain tender during baking.
• Dried Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to elevate the chicken and rice.
• Salt and black pepper: Basic yet vital for seasoning every element correctly.
• Canned diced tomatoes (undrained): Juicy and fresh, they add moisture and a subtle acidity.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a creamy, golden topping that brings it all together.
• Fresh parsley: A bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and gathering all your ingredients to keep the process smooth. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the minced garlic, diced onion, and red bell pepper. Sauté them for about five minutes, until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their lovely aromas that will be the foundation of this comforting dish.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Next, stir in the long-grain white rice, letting it toast lightly in the skillet for two minutes. This step is a little culinary trick: toasting the rice enhances its nutty flavor and prevents it from getting mushy, ensuring every grain stays distinct and tasty after baking.

Step 3: Add Broth and Bring to Simmer

Pour the low-sodium chicken broth gently into the skillet, stirring to combine it with the rice and sautéed vegetables. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, which starts the cooking process for the rice while mingling all the flavors together in perfect harmony.

Step 4: Season and Arrange the Chicken

Season your bone-in, skinless chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and the dried Italian seasoning. Nestle each piece carefully into the rice mixture in the skillet, making sure the chicken is partially submerged to absorb those rich flavors during baking. This ensures the chicken stays moist while the seasoning permeates every bite.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Bake

Pour the undrained diced tomatoes over the chicken and rice, letting the natural juices enrich the dish with a burst of color and a slight tang that cuts through the richness. Cover the skillet tightly with foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice has absorbed all the delicious liquid.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese and Finish Baking

Once the baking is done, remove the cover and sprinkle a generous cup of shredded mozzarella over the casserole’s surface. Place it back into the oven uncovered for an additional five minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly layer that makes the dish irresistible.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking; this little pause helps everything set perfectly. Then, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish that brightens each serving and adds a lovely touch of green to your Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe.

How to Serve Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is the classic way to garnish this dish. It not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and chicken beautifully. You can also try some grated Parmesan or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an added special touch.

Side Dishes

This casserole is wonderfully hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables. If you want more carbs, some warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread would complement the flavors and make the meal even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe straight from an elegant cast-iron skillet for a rustic, inviting presentation. Alternatively, portion it out onto colorful plates and finish with a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs or a wedge of lemon on the side to add a touch of brightness and elegance to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners during a busy week.

Freezing

If you want to keep this comforting meal longer, freezing is a great option. Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing much of its flavor or texture. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the portion in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to keep the moisture in. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving works too—just cover and heat in short intervals to avoid drying out the rice or chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs stay juicier and more tender, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs.

Is it necessary to use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Bone-in chicken adds extra flavor and helps keep the meat moist during baking, but boneless thighs will work if that’s what you have. You might need to adjust cooking time slightly if using boneless pieces.

Can I substitute the rice with another grain?

You can try brown rice or quinoa, but keep in mind the cooking times will vary. Brown rice typically takes longer, so pre-cooking or adjusting the baking time is advised for the best texture.

What can I do if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

You can easily make your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Fresh herbs also work, just reduce the quantity slightly and add them towards the end of cooking for the freshest flavor.

Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?

Yes, this recipe adapts well to a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables and toast the rice first, then combine everything and cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is a true kitchen winner that brings warmth and hearty Italian flavors in one easy dish. From the tender chicken and garlic-infused rice to the luscious melted mozzarella, every bite feels like a comforting hug. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this casserole will quickly become a beloved staple. Give it a go, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.

Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

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4 from 65 reviews

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

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Description

This Italian Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish combining tender chicken thighs with aromatic vegetables, savory rice, and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, it features a gentle mix of Italian seasoning and juicy diced tomatoes for a rich, hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

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Rice & Broth

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced

Chicken & Seasonings

• 6 to 8 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Other Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 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). Assemble all ingredients for convenient cooking.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, diced onion, and red bell pepper and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Toast Rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the skillet and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, to lightly toast the rice for 2 minutes, enhancing its nutty flavor.
4. Add Broth: Pour in low-sodium chicken broth, gently stirring to combine rice and vegetables. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
5. Season Chicken: Season the bone-in, skinless chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Nestle the chicken thighs evenly into the rice mixture in the skillet.
6. Add Tomatoes: Pour the undrained canned diced tomatoes over the chicken and rice, incorporating the juices to enrich the dish.
7. Bake Covered: Cover the skillet with foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice has absorbed the liquid.
8. Add Cheese and Melt: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top, then return uncovered to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese and develop a golden color.
9. Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a fresh finish.

Notes

• For best results, use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs as they remain moist during baking.
• Low-sodium chicken broth helps control saltiness but can be substituted with regular broth if preferred.
• You can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like provolone or fontina for different flavors.
• Covering during baking keeps the chicken moist and allows the rice to cook evenly.
• Let the casserole rest after baking to let flavors meld and make it easier to serve.

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