Casserole Dinner

Transform your weeknight meals with this hearty and wholesome Casserole Dinner, a perfect blend of tender chicken breasts, colorful vegetables, and creamy, cheesy rice. This easy one-dish recipe combines the earthy flavors of garlic, thyme, and sautéed veggies with a luscious mixture of chicken broth and heavy cream, resulting in an irresistibly comforting meal. Topped with bubbly, golden cheddar cheese and garnished with fresh parsley, this oven-baked casserole is both satisfying and packed with nutrients. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a hands-off bake, it’s ideal for busy families or cozy gatherings. Serve this delicious casserole straight from the oven for a warm, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s as easy to make as it is to love!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 piece yellow onion, diced
• 3 pieces carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 pieces celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2.5 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with half the salt and pepper, then sear them for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove from skillet and set aside. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Step 4

Add the carrots and celery to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

Step 5

Stir in the uncooked rice, thyme, broccoli florets, and remaining salt and pepper. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.

Step 6

Transfer the vegetable and rice mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Arrange the seared chicken breasts on top.

Step 7

Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream evenly over the casserole mixture, ensuring the liquid is evenly distributed.

Step 8

Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.

Step 9

Remove the aluminum foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2297.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3197.1

Total Fat 131.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 60.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 832.7mg	0%
Sodium 5265.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 206.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.3g	0%
Total Sugars 16.8g
Protein 276.7g	0%

Vitamin D 7.0IU	0%
Calcium 1210.5mg	0%
Iron 12.9mg	0%
Potassium 3436.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.9%

Protein: 35.5%

Carbs: 26.5%