Italian Chicken & Rice

Servings: 4 Difficulty: Intermediate
A comforting one-pan bake with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melted cheese
Italian Chicken & Rice recipe image

Italian Chicken & Rice

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4 Calories: 547.0

Description

This Italian Chicken & Rice is a hearty, family-friendly casserole that combines tender boneless chicken breasts with fluffy rice, savory tomatoes, and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. The dish is infused with aromatic Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and chopped onions, creating a rich and satisfying flavor profile. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan meal requires minimal prep and delivers a restaurant-quality result straight from the oven. It&# 226;€™s a versatile comfort food that pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the water, uncooked rice, undrained tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning. Mix well until the rice is evenly coated.
  4. Spread the rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  5. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
  6. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning over the chicken breasts.
  7. Bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the rice is tender.
  8. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the rice to finish absorbing moisture.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 547.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 44.2g68%
Saturated Fat 13.8g69%
Cholesterol 55.0mg19%
Sodium 604.7mg26%
Total Carbohydrate 21.3g8%
Dietary Fiber 0.9g4%
Sugars 1.7g
Protein 16.3g33%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Ensure the chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking. If they vary significantly, pound the thicker ones to an even thickness.

You can substitute the canned tomatoes with fresh chopped tomatoes or a can of diced tomatoes if preferred.

For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of chicken broth instead of water.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Keywords: italian, chicken, rice, casserole, one-pan, cheese, cheddar, parmesan, tomatoes, onion, garlic, seasoning, baked, dinner, comfort food, family meal, easy, weeknight, comforting, hearty
Recipe Card powered by WP Delicious