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Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

This chicken and rice casserole is a comforting, from-scratch version of a classic dish. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful rice, it’s a hearty and satisfying one-pan meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 671

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb bone-in chicken thighs
  • 1 lb chicken drumsticks
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp seasoning salt
  • 1 tsp poultry seasoning
  • 3/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 6 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup celery finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 tbsp chicken broth concentrate
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 3/4 cup water for rice
  • 1 3/4 cup long grain white rice

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch Casserole dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven and prepare a greased casserole dish, then finely chop the onion, celery, and garlic so they are ready for cooking.
  2. Mix the flour with parsley, salt, spices, and seasonings, then coat each piece of chicken thoroughly while reserving the remaining seasoned flour.
  3. Heat oil in a skillet and sear the chicken pieces on both sides until golden brown, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the onion and celery until soft, then add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle the reserved seasoned flour over the vegetables, stir well, then add broth concentrate and gradually whisk in milk and water until a smooth sauce forms.
  6. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then add it to the prepared casserole dish along with water and the prepared sauce, mixing everything evenly.
  7. Arrange the seared chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture, cover the dish tightly with foil, and bake until the rice is tender and the chicken is nearly cooked through.
  8. Remove the foil and continue baking at a higher temperature until the chicken is fully cooked and the top becomes golden brown.
  9. Let the casserole rest before serving so the sauce thickens and the flavors settle.

Notes

This chicken and rice casserole is a classic comfort dish made completely from scratch with a rich homemade sauce. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful rice creates a hearty, satisfying meal.
Searing the chicken first adds depth and helps build a richer overall flavor. It’s a great make-ahead recipe that works well for family dinners or leftovers.
The casserole stays creamy and saucy, and the flavors deepen even more the next day.