Description
A comforting and flavorful baked chicken and rice casserole that combines tender chicken breast pieces, sautéed mushrooms, fresh vegetables, and a savory rice pilaf, all baked together for a hearty one-dish meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 8 oz white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large carrot, cut into thin strands
- 1/2 red pepper, cut into thin strands
Rice and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 cup uncooked rice, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cup hot water
- 1 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, divided (or to taste)
- 1 tsp Vegeta seasoning (or Lawry’s seasoning)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes tender and translucent, releasing its sweet, savory aroma.
- Cook Chicken: Add the bite-size chicken breast pieces to the skillet. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook the chicken until it is just done, taking care not to overcook so it remains juicy and tender. Transfer the cooked chicken pieces to a casserole dish.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Using the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook them until they are tender and golden brown. This step adds a rich, earthy flavor to the dish. Once cooked, transfer the mushrooms to the casserole dish with the chicken.
- Add Vegetables: Add the thin strands of carrot and red pepper directly into the casserole dish without cooking them first, allowing them to cook gently with the rice and broth.
- Combine Rice and Liquids: Add the rinsed uncooked rice, hot water, and chicken broth to the casserole dish. Season the mixture with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Vegeta seasoning. Stir everything gently to combine ingredients evenly.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Cover the casserole dish and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, stirring the mixture a few times during baking to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. The rice will absorb the liquids, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch and prevents the casserole from becoming too sticky.
- Vegeta seasoning can be substituted with Lawry’s seasoning or your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken in the skillet to keep it moist and tender after baking.
- Stirring the casserole a few times while baking helps prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom and promotes even cooking.
- If you prefer, cover the casserole dish with foil during baking to keep moisture in, removing the foil towards the end for slight browning on top.
