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