Description
A creamy, comforting oven baked casserole made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, rich garlic cream sauce, and melted Parmesan and mozzarella, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: 450 g, cut into bite sized pieces
- Uncooked long grain white rice: 200 g
- Chicken broth: 480 ml
- Heavy cream: 240 ml
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 120 g
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 150 g
- Garlic cloves: 4 cloves, minced
- Unsalted butter: 30 g
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black pepper: 0.5 teaspoon
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190°C and lightly grease an oven safe baking dish.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, and cook until lightly opaque on the outside.
- Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the prepared baking dish and layer the chicken and garlic mixture on top.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella evenly over the dish.
- Stir gently to ensure the rice is fully submerged and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the rice is fully covered with liquid before baking to avoid undercooked grains.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and adds better flavor.
- Let the casserole rest briefly after baking so the sauce thickens.
- Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating leftovers to keep it creamy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken, chicken rice casserole, creamy chicken casserole, baked chicken and rice, family dinner recipe