Italian Chicken Rice Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful Italian seasoning, rice, vegetables, and cheese. Here’s a simple recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) chicken broth
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red, green, or a combination)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
- Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the sliced mushrooms and chopped bell peppers, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the rice to the skillet and cook for a minute or two, stirring to coat the rice with the other ingredients.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the rice is cooked, transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Enjoy your delicious Italian Chicken Rice Casserole!