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To make Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Casserole, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups cooked white rice - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese You will need two cups of cooked rice. The rice gives a soft base to the dish. Next, use one pound of diced chicken thighs. Chicken thighs stay juicy and add flavor. You will need four tablespoons of butter. It adds richness and helps with cooking. Four cloves of minced garlic bring out a strong flavor. Use one medium onion, diced fine, to add sweetness. One cup of low-sodium chicken broth keeps the dish moist. One cup of heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and rich. Toss in one cup of frozen peas and carrots for color and nutrition. One teaspoon each of dried thyme and parsley adds depth. Use salt and black pepper to taste for flavor. Lastly, one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese give a cheesy topping. With these ingredients, you will create a hearty and tasty casserole. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). - Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish. - Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet. - Cook diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper until golden. - Sauté onion and garlic in remaining butter until soft. - Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and frozen vegetables. - Combine cooked rice, chicken, and sauce in a large bowl. - Mix until well combined and everything is coated. - Pour the mixture into the casserole dish evenly. - Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. - Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. - Always cook chicken until it is golden brown. This step adds great flavor. - Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This lets the flavors settle. - You can use boneless chicken breast if you prefer. It cooks well and is leaner. - Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish. It still tastes rich. - Feel free to swap in other veggies based on what you have. Broccoli or bell peppers work great. - Top the casserole with freshly chopped parsley. It adds a nice touch and color. - Serve with a green salad or warm, crusty bread. Both complement the dish well. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure your chicken thighs are juicy and tender, avoid overcooking them in the skillet. They should be cooked just until golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after sautéing the onion and garlic, allowing it to reduce before adding the broth and cream. Cheese Variation: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Adding a blend of cheddar or gouda can give a unique twist to the flavor profile of your casserole. Make-Ahead Tips: This casserole can be prepared a day in advance. Simply assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh the next day for a convenient meal! {{image_4}} You can make this dish healthier easily. Here are two simple changes: - Use brown rice instead of white rice for more fiber. - Opt for low-fat cheese options to cut calories. You can also boost the flavor with some fun spices and herbs: - Add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for heat. This gives your dish a kick. - Mix in fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a different taste. They add freshness and depth. If you want a vegetarian version, you can swap out the chicken: - Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu. These options are protein-rich and filling. - Increase the quantity of vegetables for more texture and flavor. Consider bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach to brighten the dish. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the dish fresh. Make sure the container seals tightly. You can enjoy the flavors of garlic butter chicken and rice again! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. This is great for meal prep! Just wrap it well in plastic wrap, then foil. When you’re ready to eat, you have two options to reheat. You can bake from frozen or thaw it overnight in the fridge. For the best texture, reheat in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil to avoid burning. If you're in a hurry, microwaving works too. Just note that it may change the dish’s texture a bit. Enjoy your tasty leftovers! Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Just make the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate until you are ready to bake. This makes it easy for busy nights. When you are ready, simply bake it in the oven as directed. The flavors will blend nicely while it sits. This dish pairs well with simple salads or steamed vegetables. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with roasted veggies for more color and taste. Both options balance the creamy casserole well. Yes, you can make a dairy-free version. Just swap out the butter, cream, and cheese for non-dairy substitutes. Use olive oil instead of butter, coconut milk or almond milk for cream, and vegan cheese for the cheeses. The dish will still taste great! To wrap up, this Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Casserole is a tasty and easy dish. You need just a few simple ingredients and clear steps to make it. Remember, you can adjust flavors and ingredients to match your taste. Store any leftovers properly, and the casserole can even be frozen for later. Enjoy making this dish, and be creative with it!

Garlic Butter Chicken & Rice Casserole

A creamy and flavorful casserole featuring chicken, rice, and vegetables, topped with melted cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter and set it aside.
  • In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken thighs, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked through and golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt, then add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and tender. Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Carefully pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, and the frozen peas and carrots. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 3-5 minutes, which will help thicken the sauce slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, sautéed chicken, and the creamy sauce from the skillet. Gently stir everything together until it is well combined and evenly distributed.
  • Pour the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
  • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and developing a light golden color around the edges.
  • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.

Notes

For an elegant finish, garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Pair with a refreshing green salad.
Keyword casserole, chicken, comfort food