Description
This Italian Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender bone-in chicken thighs, long-grain rice, fresh vegetables, and savory Italian seasonings. Baked to perfection in the oven, it melds juicy chicken, aromatic garlic and bell peppers, and rich diced tomatoes topped with melted mozzarella cheese, making it an ideal family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
Protein and Seasoning
- 6 to 8 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Oils
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and gather all ingredients to ensure smooth preparation.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic, diced onion, and red bell pepper. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast and develop a nutty aroma.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, stirring gently to combine all ingredients. Bring to a gentle simmer on the stovetop.
- Season and Arrange Chicken: Season bone-in, skinless chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Nestle the chicken thighs directly into the rice mixture in the skillet.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour the canned diced tomatoes with their juices over the chicken and rice, enhancing richness and moisture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the skillet tightly with foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and rice has absorbed the liquid.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return the skillet uncovered to the oven for 5 more minutes to melt the cheese and create a golden crust.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Bone-in chicken thighs provide juiciness and flavor, but chicken breast can be substituted for a leaner option.
- Make sure to cover the skillet during baking to allow the rice to cook evenly and absorb liquid.
- Low-sodium broth is preferred to control the overall salt content.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the rice firm up and makes serving easier.
- Fresh parsley adds a fresh herbal note and attractive color when garnishing.
