Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Certainly! Here’s a recipe for Italian Chicken Rice Casserole:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

1. Cook the Chicken:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

1. Prepare the Rice Mixture:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken and vegetables with the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

1. Assemble the Casserole:

• Pour the rice mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

1. Bake the Casserole:

• Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.

1. Add Cheese and Finish Baking:

• Remove the foil from the baking dish and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
• Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

1. Serve:

• Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy this comforting Italian Chicken Rice Casserole as a delicious and satisfying meal for dinner or any occasion!