Description
This Italian Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal combining tender cooked chicken, fluffy white rice, and a savory blend of marinara sauce, cheeses, and Italian seasonings. Enhanced with sautéed onions and optional spinach, it’s baked to golden bubbly perfection, making it an ideal easy family dinner option that’s both hearty and gluten-free.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole evenly.
- Sauté Onion and Spinach: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. If using spinach, add it to the skillet and cook just until wilted to retain freshness and nutrients.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, chicken, marinara sauce, chicken broth, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sautéed onion and spinach. Mix everything thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the combined mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. For an extra cheesy top, sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses if desired.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Bake until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- You can substitute brown rice or cauliflower rice for white rice to alter texture or carb content.
- For added vegetables, consider mixing in chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers before baking.
