Melanie's Tangy Chicken Casserole

Get ready to delight your taste buds with Melanie's Tangy Chicken Casserole, a hearty and flavor-packed dinner that combines tender seared chicken breasts with vibrant vegetables, fluffy white rice, and a tangy-sweet sauce. Infused with the zest of orange juice, the umami of soy sauce, and a hint of honey, this one-dish wonder strikes the perfect balance between savory and refreshing. With minimal prep and oven-baked convenience, this casserole is ideal for busy weeknights or a homestyle family gathering. Add an optional cheesy topping for a comforting twist, and serve this dish fresh out of the oven for a satisfying meal everyone will love. Whether you're looking for easy chicken casserole recipes or low-maintenance comfort food, Melanie's Tangy Chicken Casserole checks all the boxes!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 cups baby carrots, halved
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup white rice, uncooked
• 2.5 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 cup orange juice
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown (they do not need to be fully cooked). Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Add the baby carrots and broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together chicken broth, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch slurry (combine cornstarch and water beforehand).

Step 7

Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 8

Layer the sautéed vegetables over the rice, followed by the seared chicken breasts.

Step 9

Pour the tangy sauce evenly over the entire casserole.

Step 10

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, if desired. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 12

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your tangy and hearty chicken casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2553.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3085.6

Total Fat 91.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 711.6mg	0%
Sodium 7027.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 275.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.6g	0%
Total Sugars 69.8g
Protein 282.2g	0%

Vitamin D 31.0IU	0%
Calcium 1257.4mg	0%
Iron 14.3mg	0%
Potassium 4374.1mg	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: 27.0%

Protein: 37.0%

Carbs: 36.1%