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Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Browned Butter

creamy chicken and rice casserole - featured image
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A comforting and easy-to-make casserole featuring tender chicken, creamy rice, and a rich browned butter sauce that adds a nutty depth of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir constantly until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little of the browned butter and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until just browned on the outside but not fully cooked through, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it in the butter and juices. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, mixing gently to combine.
  6. If the skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until the rice is tender and the top is golden and bubbly. Check at 35 minutes and cover loosely with foil if the top browns too fast.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Use a stainless steel pan for browning butter to better monitor color changes. Avoid overcooking chicken before baking to keep it juicy. Resist stirring the casserole once in the oven to prevent mushiness. Resting after baking thickens the sauce and improves texture. Brown rice can be used but requires longer baking time and extra broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, creamy chicken and rice, browned butter, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/creamy-chicken-and-rice-casserole-with-browned-butter-best-easy-recipe/