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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green) - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Spices: smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish When planning to make Chicken and Rice Skillet Casserole, you need great ingredients. First, choose 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Dice them into small pieces. This makes them easy to cook and eat. You also need 1 cup of long-grain rice. This rice cooks well with the chicken and broth. Next, gather your vegetables and seasonings. Use 1 cup of diced bell peppers. A mix of red and green adds color. Chop 1 small onion finely. This gives a sweet taste. Mince 3 cloves of garlic for extra flavor. For spices, you need smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. These spices create a warm taste. For the final touches, grab 1 cup of frozen peas. You don’t need to thaw them. They add color and sweetness. You will also need 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This cheese melts perfectly on top. Finally, have fresh parsley for garnish. It adds a nice look and taste. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. - Start with a large skillet. Heat the olive oil over medium heat. - Add diced chicken pieces. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano. - Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until it's browned and cooked through. - Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked chicken and set it aside on a plate. - In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and diced bell peppers. - Cook for 3-4 minutes while stirring frequently. The vegetables should soften. - Then, add minced garlic and sauté for one more minute. This adds a great flavor boost. - Mix the uncooked rice with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to coat the rice evenly. - Pour in the chicken broth and stir again to combine everything. This is where the magic begins. - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. - Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet. Mix it into the rice and broth. - Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 18-20 minutes. - The rice should be tender and absorb most of the liquid by the end of this step. - In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas directly into the skillet. - Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Cover again and let it sit until the cheese melts. - Once done, use a fork to fluff the rice gently before serving. For the full recipe, refer to the provided details above. To make the best chicken and rice skillet casserole, start by browning the chicken. This step adds great flavor. Use medium heat and let the chicken cook for about 5-7 minutes. I like to season it with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano. These herbs give the dish a warm, inviting taste. Using low-sodium chicken broth is also key. It helps balance the seasoning well. If you use regular broth, the dish may become too salty. Always taste your broth before adding more salt. You can swap proteins in this meal for variety. Turkey, tofu, or shrimp work well. These options keep it fresh and fun. If you want a healthier choice, use brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice adds fiber and nutrients. Just remember, it may need a bit more cooking time. For the best look, serve the casserole right from the skillet. It makes for a rustic and warm presentation. To make it pop, garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese. This adds color and makes it more appealing. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} If you want some heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. This will give your casserole a nice kick. You can mix them in while cooking the chicken for a bold flavor. Each bite bursts with spice. Just adjust the amount to fit your taste. For a meat-free meal, swap chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas. Both add great texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a rich taste. This option is perfect for anyone who loves veggies or wants a lighter dish. You still get a filling and tasty meal. Adding broccoli florets boosts the nutrition of your casserole. Simply mix them in during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also use different cheese varieties to play with flavors. Try mozzarella for a mild taste or pepper jack for a bit of spice. This makes the dish creamy and colorful. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. Enjoy experimenting with these variations! First, let the casserole cool down completely. This step helps keep it fresh. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to avoid any moisture. Your leftovers can last in the fridge for about three to four days. If you want to save some for later, freeze portions in individual containers. This method makes it easy to reheat just what you need. Remember to leave some room at the top of each container. This space allows the food to expand when frozen. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge. This slow thaw helps keep the flavors intact. You can reheat your casserole in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it seems dry, add a splash of broth. This small addition brings back the moisture and flavor. Stir well while reheating to ensure even warmth. Your Chicken and Rice Skillet Casserole will taste almost as good as fresh! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Making this dish takes about 40 minutes in total. The prep time is around 10 minutes. You will spend about 30 minutes cooking. This quick time frame makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the cheese. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just heat it on the stove. Add the cheese near the end so it melts perfectly. This casserole pairs well with many sides. A fresh side salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also complement the meal. You can even serve steamed vegetables for extra color and nutrition. Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free. Just use gluten-free rice and broth. Many brands offer gluten-free chicken broth. Always check labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs. To check if the chicken is cooked, cut a piece in the thickest part. The meat should be white and juices should run clear. You can also use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This blog post detailed how to make a tasty Chicken and Rice Skillet Casserole. We covered the main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect results. Remember to experiment with variations and substitute ingredients to suit your taste. Storing leftovers properly can keep your meals fresh. Follow these simple steps for a delicious dish every time. Enjoy easy cooking that brings flavor to your table!

Chicken and Rice Skillet Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Savory Chicken & Rice Skillet Casserole! Packed with tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and melty cheddar cheese, this one-pan dish is easy to make and full of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, enjoy a hearty meal in just 40 minutes. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious casserole to your dinner table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup long-grain rice

2 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)

1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of red and green for color)

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken pieces. Season generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano. Sauté the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it's browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

    Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and diced bell peppers. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute or until fragrant.

      Combine Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring well to coat the rice with the vegetable mixture. This will help prevent sticking and enhance the flavor.

        Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.

          Integrate Chicken and Cook Rice: Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet, mixing it into the rice and broth. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow it to cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

            Finish with Peas and Cheese: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas directly into the skillet. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, cover again, and let it sit until the cheese melts beautifully over the casserole.

              Fluff and Serve: Once the cheese is bubbly and melted, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For a rustic and inviting presentation, serve the casserole directly from the skillet. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and additional shredded cheese if desired. Pair it with a vibrant side salad or warm crusty bread for a complete meal!