Chicken, Spinach, and Rice Casserole (60 Minutes)

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When you’re in the mood for a hearty, one-dish meal that warms you from the inside out, a casserole is the way to go. This chicken, spinach, and rice casserole melds together succulent chicken, creamy rice, and fresh spinach. Finished with a sprinkle of parsley, it’s a dish that brings both comfort and a touch of elegance to the table. Ready to give it a try for yourself? Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain rice
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half & half
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Rice (20 minutes): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 15-18 minutes.
  2. Cook Chicken (10 minutes): While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables (5 minutes): In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Combine Ingredients (5 minutes): To the skillet, add the cooked rice, spinach, heavy cream, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine, ensuring the spinach wilts from the heat. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to mix.
  5. Bake (25 minutes): Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden.
  6. Garnish and Serve (2 minutes): Remove from oven, let sit for a couple of minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

This casserole is a great way to make a meal ahead of time. You can prepare it up to the baking step, refrigerate it, and then pop it in the oven when you’re ready. The fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brings a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy casserole. Serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/chicken-spinach-and-rice-casserole-60-minutes/