Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Rice Casserole Heaven is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a luscious garlic butter sauce bake together for a simple yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, but not fully cooked through.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Stir well.
- While the chicken is browning, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in parsley, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using) to create the garlic butter sauce.
- Pour the garlic butter sauce over the rice in the baking dish and stir to combine.
- Arrange the browned chicken pieces evenly over the rice.
- Sprinkle the frozen peas over the chicken.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, use a high-quality chicken broth.
- Do not overcook the chicken in the skillet as it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to prevent drying.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or sour cream after removing the garlic butter sauce from the heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A