Hearty Baked Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this hearty baked casserole, a dish that truly embodies warmth and home-style goodness. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli are baked together in a savory, herbaceous embrace, creating a deeply satisfying and cohesive meal. The baking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich, comforting texture where every bite is infused with the essence of garlic, onion, and thyme. This casserole is more than just a meal, it's a hug in a dish, perfect for sharing and creating lasting memories around the dinner table, making it a beloved staple for any occasion.
Ingredients
- •2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 180g each, cut into 1-inch cubes
- •1 cup white rice, uncooked
- •2 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped
- •1 tablespoon olive oil
- •1 teaspoon salt, divided
- •1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- •1 teaspoon garlic powder
- •1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- •1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- •3 cups water
Dietary Info
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 190 degrees Celsius (375 degrees Fahrenheit). Lightly grease a medium baking dish (approximately 8x8 inches or similar size) with a little olive oil.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, chopped broccoli, uncooked rice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Toss everything together until well coated.
- 3
Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pour 3 cups of water over the entire mixture, ensuring the rice is mostly submerged.
- 4
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- 5
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Stir the casserole gently to ensure rice is not sticking and to redistribute ingredients. If it looks dry, you can add a small amount of extra water, but it should be fine.
- 6
Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed, the rice is tender, and the chicken is cooked through. The top should be lightly golden.
- 7
Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.
- 8
Serve warm, scooping generous portions directly from the dish.
- 9
Optional: A final sprinkle of black pepper over individual servings for enhanced flavor and presentation.
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