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Chicken and Rice Casserole - Comforting, Simple, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked; not instant)
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (no need to thaw)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
  • Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Sprinkle both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Set aside.
  • Build the base: In the baking dish, whisk together the chicken broth, milk, and cream of chicken soup until smooth. Stir in the rice, onion, garlic, thyme, remaining salt and pepper, and remaining paprika. Fold in peas and carrots.
  • Nestle the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture, gently pressing them in so they’re partly submerged but still visible.
  • Add butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the chicken and rice for richness and color.
  • Cover and bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 35 minutes.
  • Uncover and finish: Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top if using, and bake another 15–20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes. This helps the rice finish steaming. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and adjust seasoning to taste.