Creamy Skinny Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Whipping up a delectable skinny chicken and rice casserole can revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Comfort meets nutrition in this lighter version of a classic dish.

Lean protein and wholesome grains come together effortlessly to create a satisfying meal.

Packed with flavor yet mindful of calories, you’ll adore how simple ingredients can produce such a remarkable result.

Busy home cooks appreciate recipes that deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.

Herbs and spices add depth without unnecessary fat, making this casserole a smart choice for health-conscious individuals.

Let you dive into this guilt-free culinary adventure that promises to become a household favorite.

What Makes Chicken and Rice Casserole Work So Well

• Swap ingredients like chicken for turkey or swap broccoli for cauliflower to match family preferences and pantry supplies.
• Prep and cook this casserole in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families needing nutritious meals without complex cooking techniques.
• Packed with lean protein from chicken, Greek yogurt's probiotics, calcium-rich cheese, and fiber-loaded broccoli, delivering balanced meal in single dish.
• Transforms simple, affordable ingredients into delicious one-pan meal that stretches grocery dollars while satisfying hunger and taste buds.

What You’ll Need for Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Chicken: Lean protein source that adds substance and flavor to the casserole.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy, protein-rich ingredient that provides moisture and tang.

• Rice: Hearty base that adds texture and bulk to the dish, preferably cooked and cooled.
• Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable that brings color and nutrients.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth and savory base notes.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that adds moisture and builds rich flavor profile.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty component that brings richness and comfort.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor boosters that balance and enhance overall taste.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional crunchy topping for added texture and golden finish.

• Cooking Spray: Used for preventing sticking and ensuring easy dish release.
• Foil: Helps control moisture and cooking temperature during baking process.

How to Bake Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat the oven to 375F (190C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until vegetables become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Blend Delicious Components

• Cooked rice
• Shredded chicken
• Sautéed onions and garlic
• Creamy Greek yogurt
• Chicken broth
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped broccoli
• Preferred seasonings

Stir ingredients thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges bubble.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty and nutritious meal!

Tips That Help Your Chicken Casserole Turn Out Right

• Boost Protein Power: Add extra lean protein like diced turkey or white beans to increase nutritional value without heavy calories.
• Customize Vegetable Mix: Swap broccoli with seasonal vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or spinach for variety and added nutrients.
• Control Cheese Calories: Use reduced-fat cheddar or mix half regular and half low-fat cheese to maintain flavor while cutting calories.
• Perfect Moisture Balance: Cover with foil during initial baking to prevent drying out, ensuring a creamy and tender casserole texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient weeknight dinners.

Keeping Chicken and Rice Fresh After Cooking

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Transfer casserole to a baking dish. Cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm at 350F for 15-20 minutes, checking periodically to prevent overcooking.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

What Matches Well with Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Select a light, unoaked Chardonnay with bright acidity to complement the creamy chicken and rice casserole, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's subtle flavors.
• Toss a fresh mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and provide a crunchy contrast to the soft, comforting casserole texture.
• Prepare thin asparagus spears roasted with olive oil, sea salt, and cracked pepper to deliver a clean, earthy vegetable side that balances the casserole's creamy profile.
• Slice a rustic sourdough or whole grain bread to help soak up the delicious casserole sauce and provide an additional textural element to the meal.

New Takes on Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use gluten-free chicken broth to ensure complete dietary compatibility.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or riced zucchini to reduce carbohydrate content. Choose low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt for additional health benefits.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra protein-rich vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or unsweetened almond milk. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. Ensure all ingredients match dietary restrictions.

FAQs on Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Is this casserole healthy?

This casserole is a healthier version using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, lean chicken, and broccoli, which provides protein, probiotics, and nutrients while keeping calories lower.

• Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can substitute fresh broccoli with frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before adding to the mixture to prevent a watery casserole.

• What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice or brown rice work perfectly. Leftover rice is ideal as it helps prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy. Ensure rice is fully cooked before mixing.

• How can I make this dish more flavorful?

Add extra herbs like dried thyme or rosemary, use smoked paprika, or include red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Sharp cheddar cheese also helps enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

Skinny Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets health in this skinny chicken and rice casserole, a lighter twist on classic comfort food. Packed with lean protein and wholesome grains, this dish delivers satisfying flavors without guilt, promising a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast

Grains and Base:

• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt (or light sour cream)
• 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chopped broccoli (or any veggie of choice)

Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375F (190C), preparing a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light cooking spray coating.
2. In a sizzling skillet, transform chopped onions and minced garlic into a fragrant, translucent mixture over medium flame, developing deep flavor layers.
3. Consolidate the casserole components in a spacious mixing vessel: tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked rice, caramelized aromatics, creamy Greek yogurt, savory chicken broth, melty cheddar cheese, verdant broccoli florets, and a harmonious blend of seasonings.
4. Gently transfer the integrated mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution. Optionally, crown the surface with a delicate sprinkle of breadcrumbs for added textural intrigue.
5. Drape the dish with aluminum foil, creating a protective shield during initial baking. Slide into the preheated oven and allow the ingredients to meld and bubble for 20 minutes.
6. Remove the foil barrier, exposing the casserole to direct heat, and continue baking until the top achieves a golden, appetizing complexion – approximately 10 additional minutes.
7. After removing from the oven, permit the casserole a brief resting period of 5 minutes, allowing flavors to settle and structure to stabilize before serving.

Notes

• Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Swap regular cheddar with reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach for increased nutrition and texture variety.
• Consider using quinoa instead of rice for a protein-packed, gluten-free alternative that boosts the dish’s nutritional profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg