Are you craving a mouthwatering, easy-to-make dish that combines the creamy richness of Parmesan, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice? Look no further! This Parmesan Chicken and Rice Casserole is about to become your new go-to meal that will have everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds. Packed with flavor, nutrition, and pure comfort, this recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of uncooked rice. Stir briefly, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Allow the rice to simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Once hot, add 1 lb of diced chicken breast. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp of garlic powder. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is no longer pink in the center and is cooked through. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed chicken, 1 cup of broccoli florets, and 1/2 cup of cream of chicken soup. Stir until all ingredients are well combined. The soup will help bind the casserole together and add creaminess.
- Next, fold in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture, reserving a small amount for topping. Mix until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the casserole.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, ensuring that the broccoli is distributed throughout.
- Sprinkle the reserved Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole for a delicious, cheesy crust.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This will allow it to set slightly for easier serving.
- Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Parmesan Chicken and Rice Casserole!
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Use long-grain white rice for the best texture, and make sure to cook it just until tender to prevent mushiness.
- Chicken Prep: Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor in every bite.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most robust flavor. Pre-grated cheese doesn't melt as smoothly.
- Customize Your Veggies: While broccoli is delicious, feel free to swap with other vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or mixed frozen vegetables.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare this casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Crispy Top Secret: For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Moisture Control: If the casserole seems too dry, add a splash more chicken broth or cream of chicken soup before baking.
- Leftover Love: This casserole reheats beautifully. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 95mg
