A comforting baked casserole that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce, perfect for cold evenings and relaxed family dinners.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 40 min
Total: 50 min
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and gently cook the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. This step builds flavor without browning.
Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook briefly until the chicken is lightly sealed but not fully cooked.
Transfer the chicken mixture to a baking dish and stir in the uncooked rice. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, mixing gently so the rice is evenly distributed.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender, creating a creamy, comforting texture.
Remove the foil near the end of cooking and bake a few more minutes to lightly set the top before resting and serving.
Nutrition Facts (approx)
Calories: 420
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 38g
Fat: 16g
Quick Facts
• oven baked
• family comfort classic
• cold-weather favorite
• budget friendly
• freezer friendly
Tips
- Cover tightly to ensure the rice cooks evenly.
- Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving to firm up.
- Stir once halfway if your rice tends to cook unevenly.
Variations
For a vegetable-packed version, add frozen peas or chopped carrots before baking. They soften gently and blend beautifully with the creamy rice, much like the cozy balance found in this recipe for Stuffed Bell Peppers where vegetables and filling create a full meal.
If you prefer a richer casserole, replace part of the milk with light cream. This creates a thicker, more indulgent texture, similar to the richness of Marry Me Chicken which brings a creamy, savory depth to the table.
For extra warmth, sprinkle a little shredded cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking and let it melt naturally.