Chicken and Rice Casserole
This Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food— simple, hearty, and packed with flavour! Tender chicken, creamy rice, and a savoury sauce come together in one easy dish everyone will love.
Chicken and rice casserole is the food equivalent of a warm blanket and your favourite Netflix binge.
It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with the kind of flavour that makes you wonder why you’d ever order takeaway.
It has golden-brown, crispy-skinned chicken drumsticks and thighs, perfectly seasoned and baked on a bed of creamy, dreamy rice.
This recipe is so good you’ll want seconds before you’ve finished your first helping. And let’s not forget the fresh parsley on top—it’s like adding confetti to your meal.
Why You’ll Love It
This casserole hits all the right notes: tender chicken, rich and flavourful rice, and a crispy, golden crust that screams “I’ve got my life together.”
The best part? It all bakes in one dish, so you’re not left with a mountain of washing up.
It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to impressing your in-laws.
Ingredients You’ll Need
● 6-8 chicken drumsticks and/or thighs (skin-on for maximum crispiness)
● 1½ cups long-grain rice
● 2½ cups chicken broth
● 1 cup heavy cream
● 1 medium onion, finely diced
● 2 garlic cloves, minced
● 1 tsp smoked paprika
● 1 tsp dried thyme
● Salt and black pepper, to taste
● 2 tbsp olive oil
● Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make It
1. Prep Your Chicken
Pat the chicken dry (crispy skin starts here, people). Season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear the chicken on both sides until golden-brown.
You’re not cooking it all the way through, just giving it that irresistible crust.
2. Get Your Rice Ready
In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. Stir in the rice, letting it toast for a minute or two—this adds a little extra nuttiness.
Pour in the chicken broth and cream, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the rice mixture into a rectangular baking dish.
Nestle the seared chicken pieces right on top. The juices from the chicken will seep into the rice as it bakes, creating magic.
4. Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 35 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the chicken is crispy and the rice is tender and creamy.
The smell alone will have everyone hovering around the oven.
5. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of colour and a touch of freshness. Serve it straight from the baking dish—this is comfort food, not a Michelin-star dinner.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a one-pan wonder, but it plays well with a simple side salad or some roasted veg.
And don’t forget crusty bread to scoop up the creamy rice—because carbs on carbs is always a good idea.
Why This Dish Is a Winner
Chicken and Rice Casserole isn’t just dinner—it’s a masterpiece of crispy, creamy, savoury perfection.
It’s the kind of meal that feels special without trying too hard, and it’s so easy to throw together.
Whether you’re feeding the family or looking for leftovers that don’t feel like leftovers, this dish delivers every time.
So grab a plate (or eat it straight from the dish, no judgement here) and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience. You’ve earned it.
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