Chicken and Rice Casserole 🍗🍅🌿
Description: This hearty casserole is the epitome of comfort, combining tender chicken, wholesome brown rice, and a medley of vibrant summer vegetables. With just a skillet, you can create a flavorful one-dish meal that’s ready in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something satisfying and nourishing on the table!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Onion |
| 1 | Garlic clove |
| 2 | Zucchinis |
| 1 | Chicken breast, diced |
| 1 | Tomato, chopped |
| 1 | cup Brown rice |
| 2 | cups Chicken broth |
| 1/2 | teaspoon Salt |
| 1/2 | teaspoon Fresh ground pepper |
| 3 | tablespoons Vegetable oil |
| 1/2 | cup Fresh parsley, chopped |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Vegetables: Start by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and slicing the zucchinis into rounds. Chop the tomato and set aside. 🧅🍅
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Sauté Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced zucchinis to the pan. 🍳
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Cook Vegetables: Cook the vegetables over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and fragrant. This usually takes about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. 🌿🥒
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Add Chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the diced chicken breast to the pan. Stir the chicken until it is lightly browned on all sides, infusing the dish with its savory goodness. 🍗
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Incorporate Rice and Tomatoes: Now, it’s time to introduce the brown rice and chopped tomatoes to the pan. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt. This combination will create a rich, flavorful base for our casserole. 🍚🍅
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Bring to a Simmer: Increase the heat and bring the broth to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low, maintaining a slow, steady simmer. This allows the rice to absorb all the delicious flavors as it cooks. 🥘
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Let it Simmer: Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the casserole simmer gently for about 45 minutes. During this time, the rice will become tender, and the chicken will cook to perfection, creating a delightful harmony of textures and flavors. ⏳
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Season and Serve: Once the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, remove the lid. Stir in the freshly ground pepper and chopped parsley, adding a burst of freshness and color to the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. 🌿🌶️
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Serve Warm: Spoon the aromatic chicken and rice casserole into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a generous portion of chicken, rice, and vegetables. Garnish with extra parsley if desired. 🍲
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Enjoy! This delightful Chicken and Rice Casserole is best enjoyed hot, straight from the skillet. Serve it as a standalone meal or pair it with a crisp green salad for a complete, satisfying dinner. 😋🥗
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 311.6
- Total Fat: 11.1g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8g
- Cholesterol: 48.4mg
- Sodium: 287.2mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31.6g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.7g
- Sugar: 3.7g
- Protein: 21.9g
Recipe Notes:
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Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite summer vegetables to this casserole. Bell peppers, corn, or even asparagus would make delightful additions. 🌽🫑
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Make it Ahead: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and satisfying meal. 🍲🔥
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Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu. The flavors will still shine, offering a hearty and nutritious meal for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. 🌱🍗
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Garnish Galore: Get creative with garnishes! A dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can elevate this casserole to gourmet status. 🧀🌿
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Double the Batch: This recipe easily doubles if you’re feeding a crowd or want extra for leftovers. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and use a larger skillet or pot for cooking. 🍽️🍲
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Family Favorite: With its comforting flavors and simple preparation, this Chicken and Rice Casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it up with love and watch it disappear in no time! ❤️🍽️
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home or entertaining guests, this Chicken and Rice Casserole delivers on flavor, comfort, and convenience. Enjoy the hearty goodness of tender chicken, wholesome brown rice, and a medley of summer vegetables—all in one delightful dish. Bon appétit! 🍗🍚🌿
