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Delicious easy one pot baked chicken and rice recipe – tender baked chicken baked with rice in a from-scratch casserole everyone loves!
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I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Table of contents
If you love classic chicken and rice casserole – the kind you used to dump a can of soup over – this from-scratch recipe is for you!
It is loaded with flavor, totally customizable, and super easy.
This might become your next go-to recipe for busy weeknights!
This post first appeared on my friends site, Juggling Normal.
To see our web story for this recipe, click here.
What Rice To Use
We’re using basmati rice in this recipe for its texture and great flavor when baking.
Can I use brown rice instead of basmati rice?
If you prefer to use brown rice you will need to make a few adjustments to the recipe.
Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice so you will need to adjust your cooking time.
Start by adding 15 minutes and check to see if the rice has fully cooked.
You may also want to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts so the meat doesn’t overcook and become dry.
You will want to add a ½ cup or so more of chicken stock so the casserole doesn’t become dry.
Can I use Minute Rice?
Minute rice will not work in this recipe. The long cooking time would greatly overcook the rice.
Adding Vegetables
Mushrooms, broccoli, chopped bell peppers, green beans, corn, or your favorite vegetables would be a great addition to this recipe.
Using Pre-Cooked Chicken
That would be fine but keep in mind you won’t need to cook the casserole as long since the chicken will already be cooked.
Keep an eye on the casserole and remove from the oven when the rice is fully cooked.
After you have added the cheese allow it to cook just until the cheese is melted.
Can I Use Canned Parmesan?
Fresh cheese melts smoothly and gives a nice cheesy topping for this casserole.
You could use jarred cheese if you’re in a pinch but you won’t get the nice melty cheesy topping.
The flavors will be similar.
What To Serve With Chicken and Rice Casserole
This easy casserole pairs perfectly with lots of simple, delicious side dishes like rolls, vegetables, or salads.
Some of our favorite dishes to pair with this baked chicken and rice casserole:
- 10 Minute Broccolini
- The Best Easy Garlic Knots
- Easy Fried Garlic Cheese Bombs
- The Best Oven Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
- Easy No Knead Bread
- The Best Easy Buttery Soft Dinner Rolls
We’re also sharing a couple other favorite easy side dishes:
To see more of our side dishes, please find our complete side dish recipe archives here.
To find more of our favorite salads, please visit our salad recipe archive here.
FAQs
Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Mushrooms, broccoli, chopped bell peppers, green beans, corn, or your favorite vegetables would be a great addition to this recipe.
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One Pot Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup uncooked basmati rice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ small sweet yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 cup plus 1 Tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to season chicken
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to season chicken
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Add butter to bottom of 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place in baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together chicken stock, rice, heavy cream, diced onion, 1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and thyme.
- Pour over chicken.
- Cover dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Uncover and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Continue baking, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and chicken reaches 165° F.
- Top with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
