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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Aromatic Base: Melt butter in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and most scallions until fragrant and softened, releasing their vibrant flavors.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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