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Easy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Easy cheesy chicken and rice casserole
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This easy cheesy chicken and rice casserole combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and melted cheddar in one comforting baking dish. A simple halal-friendly family dinner for busy weeknights

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless halal chicken breasts or thighs

1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice

2 cups low-sodium halal chicken broth

1 cup milk

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 cup frozen peas and carrots, optional

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Season the chicken
Cut the chicken into medium-sized pieces. Season with paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

3. Prepare the rice mixture
Add the uncooked rice, onion, garlic, chicken broth, milk, melted butter, and optional peas and carrots to the baking dish. Stir well, then mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

4. Add the chicken
Arrange the seasoned chicken evenly over the rice mixture. Gently press the pieces into the liquid without completely burying them. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

5. Bake
Bake covered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Add the cheese
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the casserole. Return to the oven uncovered for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

 

7. Rest and serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Use regular long-grain white rice, not instant rice.

 

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay especially tender during baking, but chicken breasts also work well.

 

Keep the baking dish tightly covered during the first stage of cooking so the steam can cook the rice properly.

 

Freshly shredded cheddar generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.

 

If the rice is still firm and the casserole looks dry, add a small amount of hot chicken broth, cover again, and continue baking until tender.

 

For a halal-friendly casserole, use halal-certified chicken and chicken broth and check packaged ingredients when necessary.

 

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fabiloustaste.com/cheesy-chicken-and-rice-casserole/