![- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green) - 1 small onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional) I love this dish because it is easy to make and so tasty! Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor. The chicken adds protein and heartiness. The rice absorbs all the delicious broth, making it comforting. Bell peppers and onions give a nice crunch and sweetness. Garlic adds depth, while peas bring a pop of color and texture. Don't forget about the cheese! It melts on top and makes the dish creamy and rich. You can even mix in some spices like smoked paprika, dried thyme, and oregano to add warmth and complexity. You can find the full recipe for this Chicken and Rice Skillet Casserole at the end of the article. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. - Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small pieces. - Season the chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and oregano. - Sauté the chicken in the hot oil until it turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. - Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - In the same skillet, add 1 small chopped onion and 1 cup of diced bell peppers. - Cook the veggies until they soften, about 3-4 minutes. - Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. - Mix in 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice with the cooked vegetables. - Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. - Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. - Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to mix well. - Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. - Cook for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and absorbs most of the liquid. - In the last 5 minutes, stir in 1 cup of frozen peas and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. - Cover again to let the cheese melt before serving. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To ensure the rice cooks evenly, rinse it well before use. Rinsing removes excess starch, leading to fluffier rice. Use a medium heat when cooking. This helps the rice absorb the broth without burning. Adjusting seasonings can make a big difference. Taste the broth after adding chicken. You might want to add a little more salt or pepper. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne. For side dishes, a fresh green salad pairs great. You can also serve crusty bread for dipping. To garnish, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds a pop of color and freshness. Consider adding more cheese on top for a cheesy finish. You can also serve it with sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream. Use medium heat to start cooking your casserole. After adding the broth, reduce the heat to low. This slow cooking helps the rice fluff up nicely. If you have an electric stove, cook for about 20 minutes. For gas stoves, keep an eye on the time, as they can cook faster. Adjust your cooking time based on the heat you use and your stove type. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Turkey works great for a leaner option. Tofu is a wonderful choice for a plant-based meal. Both taste good and cook well in this dish. You can also try different rice types. For gluten-free options, use brown rice or cauliflower rice. These will change the texture but still taste amazing. Want to spice up your casserole? Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Dried herbs such as rosemary or sage also work well. If you love heat, throw in some red pepper flakes. You can even use jalapeños for a bigger kick. Experiment with spices to find your perfect blend. You can easily adapt this dish for the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F. After cooking the chicken and veggies, transfer everything to a baking dish. Pour in the broth and cover with foil. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the rice is soft. Another way is to use a slow cooker. Just layer all the ingredients in the cooker. Set on low for 4-6 hours and let it do the work. Enjoy a hands-off cooking day! To keep your Chicken and Rice Skillet Casserole fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. - Freezing: If you want to save it longer, freeze individual portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Wrap them well to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you have two great options: - Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it's hot all the way through. - Microwave: If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Place your portion in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for about 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway to heat evenly. To keep the texture and flavor, the oven is the best choice. It helps the dish stay creamy and delicious. Enjoy your reheated Chicken and Rice Skillet Casserole just like it was fresh! For the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Just cook it fully and cool it down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, reheat it on low heat or in the oven. This keeps the flavors fresh and the dish ready to serve. If you need a substitute for chicken broth, try vegetable broth or water. You can also use bouillon cubes mixed with water. These options add flavor and keep your dish tasty and moist. Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can portion it into single servings. Use small containers for easy grab-and-go meals. It warms up well in the microwave or oven, making it a great choice for busy days. This casserole can last about 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to keep it in a sealed container. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. You can serve this casserole with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. These sides balance the meal and add freshness. You might also enjoy it with steamed veggies or a light soup for a complete dinner. For the [Full Recipe], check out the main article. This chicken and rice skillet casserole is simple to make and delicious. You mix chicken, rice, and veggies, then let it all simmer together. Add cheese on top for a tasty finish. Remember, you can change ingredients or cooking methods to fit your needs. Store leftovers safely for future meals. Overall, this dish is perfect for any weeknight dinner. Enjoy creating your own version, and serve it with your favorite sides.](http://dailydishly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/c524a3fd-62d5-4d38-9ae2-7923776d4e2f-300x300.webp)
Chicken and Rice Skillet Casserole
Create a delightful meal with this savory chicken and rice skillet casserole! Packed with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and creamy cheddar cheese, this easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. In just 40 minutes, you can enjoy a wholesome dish that the whole family will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and see how simple it is to whip up this hearty casserole tonight!