Name: Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked white rice; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 zucchini, chopped; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1/2 cup marinara sauce; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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The Italian Chicken Rice Casserole is the kind of dinner that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of home-cooked comfort. Each bite boasts layers of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, gooey cheese, and perfectly seasoned rice, all bundled into a baked dish that looks as good as it tastes. It blends the ease of a classic casserole with the charm and flavors of Italian cuisine, making it an instant favorite for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime you crave a warm, hearty meal that’s big on both flavor and nostalgia.

Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things blissfully simple, relying on kitchen staples and a few fresh touches. Every ingredient pulls its weight—whether it’s adding heartiness, that unmistakable Italian flair, or bringing everything together with cheesy perfection.

White Rice: Go for cooked white rice—it’s the soft, cozy backdrop that soaks up all the savory flavors.
Shredded Chicken Breast: Pre-cooked and shredded chicken gives this dish both substance and a lean, protein-packed base; rotisserie chicken works beautifully for speed.
Olive Oil: This golden oil adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to tender, fragrant perfection.
Yellow Onion: Softened onion provides sweetness and depth, supporting the savory notes in every forkful.
Garlic: Minced garlic is essential for that unmistakable, aromatic warmth you expect in Italian-inspired cooking.
Red Bell Pepper: A pop of color and a subtle sweetness that brightens up the casserole.
Zucchini: Adds a touch of freshness and gentle bite, balancing creamy textures with tender-crisp goodness.
Diced Tomatoes: Use a can (drained) for convenience; they provide acidity and juiciness, rounding out the flavors.
Marinara Sauce: A half-cup brings Italian herby zip and keeps everything saucy without overwhelming the dish.
Dried Italian Seasoning: Instantly infuses your casserole with a medley of herbs—think basil, oregano, and thyme.
Salt: Just enough to amplify and tie all the tastes together.
Black Pepper: For that gentle, warming bite you always want in a cozy bake.
Mozzarella Cheese: Loads of shredded mozzarella make the top stretch and bubble beautifully, adding goo and flavor in every layer.
Parmesan Cheese: A little goes a long way—these nutty, salty shavings add a bold finishing touch.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Sprinkle on for a final flourish of color and freshness right before serving.

How to Make Italian Chicken Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Skillet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab your favorite large skillet—something sturdy with enough space—and heat the olive oil over medium heat. You’ll be creating the foundation for your Italian Chicken Rice Casserole, so give your pan a minute to get nice and hot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

Toss in your diced yellow onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes; you want the pieces to turn soft and translucent, drawing out their natural sweetness. Then, add the minced garlic, chopped red bell pepper, and zucchini. Stir everything together and let the mixture sizzle away for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender but retain a hint of bite—the secret to a dynamic casserole texture.

Step 3: Combine the Good Stuff

With your veggies ready, stir in the cooked rice and shredded chicken. Add the drained diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir and let it heat through, soaking up all those zesty, herby flavors and uniting the components into one harmonious filling.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Take your skillet off the heat, and now for the fun part—fold in one cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. This will melt into the hot mixture, making it creamy and even more inviting. The aroma at this stage is pure Italian comfort!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the savory chicken and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top, making sure every bite will be cloaked in melted, golden cheese once baked. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and irresistibly browned in spots.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes—this helps everything set and makes serving easier. If you like, finish the Italian Chicken Rice Casserole with chopped fresh parsley for a hit of color and freshness right before you dive in!

How to Serve Italian Chicken Rice Casserole

Garnishes

The right garnish elevates both taste and presentation. Try a scatter of fresh parsley for color or go bold with extra grated Parmesan. If you like a gentle kick, a dash of red pepper flakes over the top works beautifully, complimenting the Italian Chicken Rice Casserole’s savory profile.

Side Dishes

This casserole already packs in grains, meat, and veggies, but it’s heavenly alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm ciabatta make an inviting companion, perfect for scooping up those cheesy bits. Roasted asparagus or a simple caprese salad can also round out your meal and add lightness to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Italian Chicken Rice Casserole family-style right out of the baking dish for a cozy, casual vibe. Or, for a dinner party, spoon portions into individual ramekins, then top each with a fresh basil leaf for an elegant touch. Hosting brunch? Serve with a runny fried egg on top—trust me, your guests will talk about it for weeks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature first. Cover the baking dish with foil or shift portions to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, your Italian Chicken Rice Casserole will keep for up to 4 days, maintaining both flavor and texture.

Freezing

This casserole’s hearty nature makes it freezer-friendly. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or transfer to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent the top from drying out, until hot and bubbling—usually 20–25 minutes for a whole casserole. Individual servings can also be reheated in the microwave; sprinkle a bit of extra cheese on top for a fresh, melty finish.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely. Brown rice will add a nutty flavor and more fiber to the Italian Chicken Rice Casserole, but be sure it’s fully cooked before you add it to the mix, since it tends to be chewier than white rice.

What can I use instead of chicken breast?

Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, or swap in cooked turkey for a twist. For a vegetarian version, try a combination of cannellini beans and sautéed mushrooms for delicious depth.

Can I make the Italian Chicken Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Just add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through after being chilled.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

For a subtle kick, add a generous pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture. You can also serve with a side of spicy Italian sausage or offer hot sauce at the table.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, the Italian Chicken Rice Casserole is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for those with gluten sensitivities—just double-check your marinara sauce and other packaged ingredients to be certain.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll try this Italian Chicken Rice Casserole soon—it’s a weeknight hero and a crowd-pleaser, every single time. It’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself craving, then sharing with friends and family for years to come. If you need a comforting, flavor-packed dish that never disappoints, this one’s for you!

Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Italian Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and gooey cheese, this gluten-free casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

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For the Casserole:

2 cups cooked white rice
2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, red bell pepper, and zucchini, and sauté until tender.
Combine ingredients: Add cooked rice, shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and heat through. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Transfer to baking dish: Place the mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.