Hearty Ina Garten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Ina Garten’s chicken and rice casserole unleashes a symphony of comfort that dances across your palate with pure culinary magic.

Creamy layers of flavor intertwine, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Succulent chicken nestles among fluffy rice, creating a harmonious melody of textures that whispers pure comfort.

Vibrant vegetables add bursts of color and nutrition, making each forkful a delightful journey.

Fragrant herbs weave their aromatic spell, elevating this dish from simple meal to sensational experience.

The carefully crafted recipe balances richness and subtlety, promising a dinner that embraces and nourishes.

This soul-soothing creation can turn ordinary evenings into memorable gatherings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 479 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredient Breakdown for Ina Garten’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Broccoli Florets: Choose vibrant green, firm florets with tight, compact clusters for the best texture and flavor.
• White Rice: Select long-grain white rice for optimal fluffiness and even cooking throughout the dish.
• Cooked Chicken: Use tender, shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for convenience and rich flavor.
• Tomato: Pick ripe, firm tomatoes with deep color and slight give when gently pressed.

• Garlic, Scallions: Select fresh, firm garlic cloves and bright green scallions with crisp, unblemished tops.
• Salt, Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and high-quality sea salt for maximum taste impact.

• Chicken Broth, Sour Cream: Choose low-sodium chicken broth and full-fat sour cream for a rich, smooth sauce.
• Havarti Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Opt for high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan and creamy Havarti for melting perfection.
• Butter: Select unsalted butter for precise flavor control and smooth sautéing.

Essentials Tools for Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Large Ovenproof Skillet: Perfect for sautéing and baking the entire dish in one pan.
• Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking the creamy sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending chicken broth and sour cream without lumps.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping garlic, scallions, tomatoes, and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation and dicing.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
• Cheese Grater: Great for grating Parmesan and shredding cheese.
• Aluminum Foil or Lid: Covers skillet during baking to lock in moisture.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot skillet and transferring to oven.
• Broiler-Safe Skillet: Allows final cheese topping to get golden and bubbly.

Ina Garten’s Method for a Cozy Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Fire Up the Cooking Station

Crank the oven to a sizzling 425°F. Grab a large skillet and melt some butter over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and most of the scallions, letting them dance and release their tantalizing aroma until soft and fragrant.

• Blend Tasty Ingredients

Dump broccoli florets, shredded chicken, white rice, and chopped tomato into the skillet. Sprinkle in salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so each bite will be packed with delicious flavor combinations.

• Whip Up Creamy Magic

Whisk chicken broth and sour cream in a bowl until silky smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir gently, letting it simmer and create a luxurious base that hugs all the ingredients.

• Shower with Cheesy Delight

Scatter Havarti and Parmesan cheeses into the skillet. Stir to help the cheese melt and spread its gooey goodness throughout the dish, creating pockets of creamy, sharp flavor.

• Bake and Transform

Cover the skillet with a tight lid or aluminum foil. Slide into the preheated oven and let it bake for 20 minutes. The rice will become tender, absorbing all the rich, savory flavors.

• Golden Finish and Serve

Switch the oven to broil. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and let it turn golden and bubbly. Garnish with reserved scallions. Serve immediately, straight from the skillet, for a mouthwatering meal that’ll make everyone’s taste buds dance.

Tips to Make Ina’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Extra Creamy

Discover delightful ways to make this chicken and rice skillet uniquely yours.

Replace chicken with tender shredded turkey, flaky white fish, or plant-based protein like tofu for a versatile meal that keeps things interesting.

Mix in extra vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower, or bell peppers to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors and textures to your dish.

Elevate the flavor profile by adding red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne for those who love a little heat in their meal.

Prepare the entire skillet up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, pop it in the oven and enjoy a stress-free dinner solution.

Elegant Serving Ideas for Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Savor Rustic Skillet Comfort: Create a cozy dining experience by serving this cheesy chicken and rice casserole with a fresh side salad. The crisp greens will balance the rich, creamy dish perfectly.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm baguette or artisan bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Each bite becomes even more satisfying when you can mop up those extra cheesy, flavorful drippings.
• Weekend Meal Celebration: Make this recipe the star of your family dinner or casual gathering. Its impressive presentation and hearty ingredients will have everyone asking for seconds and praising your culinary skills.
• Quick Leftover Transformation: Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the crispy cheese topping and enjoy a delicious next-day lunch that tastes just as amazing as the first serving.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken and Rice Casserole from Ina

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. The creamy texture might slightly change when reheated, so gently warm the dish to maintain its original deliciousness.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and rice mixture a day ahead, storing components separately in the refrigerator. This strategy saves time and keeps ingredients fresh, allowing quick assembly before baking.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Cool the casserole completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Recommendations: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying.

Comforting Ina Garten Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comforting Ina Garten chicken and rice casserole delivers classic creamy goodness with simple ingredients. Hearty flavors blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal that welcomes home hungry diners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (340 g / 12 oz) shredded rotisserie chicken (skin removed)
• 1 cup (200 g / 7 oz) medium-grain white rice
• 2 cups (470 ml / 16 fl oz) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups (170 g / 6 oz) broccoli florets
• 1 cup (115 g / 4 oz) diced dill Havarti cheese
• ¼ cup (25 g / 1 oz) grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) sour cream
• 4 scallions, sliced
• 2 tbsps (30 g / 1 oz) unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 plum tomato, chopped
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Base: Melt butter in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and most scallions until fragrant and softened, releasing their vibrant flavors.
2. Ingredient Fusion: Layer broccoli, shredded chicken, cooked white rice, and diced tomatoes into the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper, ensuring comprehensive ingredient integration.
3. Creamy Transformation: Whisk chicken broth and sour cream into a silky sauce. Pour directly into the skillet, stirring gently to create a harmonious blend that envelops all components.
4. Cheese Infusion: Incorporate half of the Havarti and Parmesan cheeses, mixing thoroughly to distribute the rich, melting dairy throughout the casserole. Cover securely with lid or foil.
5. Oven Metamorphosis: Roast in a preheated 425°F oven for 18-22 minutes until rice reaches perfect tenderness and liquid reduces. Peek occasionally to monitor moisture absorption.
6. Golden Finale: Activate broiler. Sprinkle remaining cheeses across the surface, watching intently for 2-3 minutes until achieving a gloriously golden, bubbling crust without charring.
7. Serving Presentation: Withdraw from oven and crown with reserved scallion pieces. Rest 3-4 minutes to allow flavors to harmonize and temperature to stabilize before serving.

Notes

• Cheese Melting Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and smoother melting compared to pre-packaged cheese.
• Rice Texture Hack: Choose long-grain white rice to prevent mushiness and ensure a fluffy, separate grain consistency in the casserole.
• Temperature Control: Watch the broiler closely during the final cheese topping stage to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.
• Ingredient Substitution: Swap Havarti with mild cheddar or mozzarella if unavailable, maintaining similar creamy melting characteristics.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking, Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 479
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 675 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg