Description
Healthy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the kind of easy dinner that makes weeknights feel a whole lot easier. It is packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, and a lightly creamy, cheesy finish that keeps every bite comforting without feeling too heavy. This wholesome casserole is perfect for meal prep, quick dinner nights, healthy snack leftovers, family dinner ideas, and anyone looking for an easy recipe full of simple food ideas that actually satisfy.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup carrots, diced
2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, onion, garlic, carrots, broccoli, chicken broth, Greek yogurt, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
4. Stir the rice mixture well, then spread it evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. Scatter the seasoned chicken pieces evenly over the rice mixture.
6. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
7. Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes more, until the cheese is melted and the rice is tender.
8. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Use small, evenly cut broccoli and carrot pieces so they cook at the same rate as the rice and chicken.
Let the casserole rest before serving so the rice can finish absorbing moisture and the texture stays creamy instead of loose.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 78mg
Keywords: healthy chicken and rice casserole, easy dinner, chicken casserole, rice casserole, family dinner, meal prep, healthy dinner ideas, easy recipe, food ideas