Golden Lemon Chicken Rice Pilaf Casserole

Chicken & Rice Pilaf Casserole 🍗🍚

Prepare to dazzle your taste buds with this tantalizing Chicken & Rice Pilaf Casserole recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish combines tender chicken, aromatic basmati rice, and a medley of flavorful herbs and spices. With just a few simple steps, you’ll create a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds chicken pieces
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• Lemon juice, for drizzling
• Zest of lemons
• 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano leaves
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 red bell peppers, sliced
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 4 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups water

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Season Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated.

3. Brown Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and heat until almost smoking. Brown the chicken pieces in batches, approximately 5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the browned chicken to two large baking pans.

4. Drizzle with Lemon Juice: Drizzle the browned chicken liberally with lemon juice for added flavor.

5. Saute Aromatics: In the same skillet, with about 1 or 2 tablespoons of oil remaining, add lemon zest, oregano, and chopped onions. Saute the onions for 5 minutes until translucent, then add the sliced bell peppers and continue to saute until softened, approximately 5 minutes longer.

6. Add Rice: Stir in the basmati rice, ensuring all grains are coated with oil. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the rice lightly.

7. Add Broth and Water: Pour in the chicken broth and water, and bring the mixture to a boil. If using unsalted broth, remember to season with salt to taste at this point to avoid blandness in the cooked rice.

8. Assemble Casserole: Evenly pour the broth and rice mixture over the chicken pieces in the baking pans, ensuring all pieces are submerged.

9. Bake: Cover the baking pans tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

10. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest, covered, for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures a deliciously moist and tender dish.

11. Serve and Enjoy: After resting, serve up generous portions of this delectable Chicken & Rice Pilaf Casserole to eager diners. Pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to satisfy.

This Chicken & Rice Pilaf Casserole is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to delight your family and friends with this irresistible casserole creation!