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Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Casserole

Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Casserole: Cozy Comfort Dish

Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal that's easy to make and customizable, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts, thawed
For the Rice
  • 1 cup standard white rice or brown rice with adjusted liquid
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup butter or olive oil for lighter option
  • 4 cloves garlic minced, avoid pre-minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian option
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or freshly chopped thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika optional for smokiness
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
For the Topping
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
  • to taste fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Combine melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
  3. Optional: Sear the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side.
  4. Spread the rinsed rice evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  5. Place the chicken pieces on top of the rice and pour the chicken broth over it.
  6. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the chicken and rice mixture.
  7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes until chicken is 165°F (74°C) and rice is tender.
  8. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and broil for an additional 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use a meat thermometer for safe cooking. For brown rice, increase liquid and baking time. You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.

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