Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or unsalted butter.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or unsalted butter over medium heat. Add finely diced onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes.
- Incorporate minced garlic for the last 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Stir in uncooked long-grain white rice and allow it to toast in the skillet for about 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in low-sodium chicken broth, along with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Top the rice layer with cut chicken breasts or thighs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice layers.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes.
- After baking, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley.
Nutrition
Notes
Cover the casserole tightly with foil while baking to trap steam. You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and bake slightly longer if it's from the fridge.
