My Italian grandma taught me this recipe, and it’s been the talk of the town whenever I serve it! The warmth of a hearty casserole is unparalleled, conjuring feelings of home with every bite. Picture a dish where tender meat melds with aromatic spices and fluffy rice, drawing everyone to the dining table with eager anticipation. That’s what you get with the Italian Chicken Rice Casserole—a delightful merger of classic Italian zest and the comforting embrace of a traditional casserole.

This dish is a dream for anyone looking for a hassle-free, one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup without skimping on the nutritious, hearty meals you love to provide for your family. It’s a perfect recipe for those of you who are between 45-65 years old and appreciate a delicious, comforting homemade meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, combine the rice, chicken broth, chicken pieces, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix everything together until well-combined.
3. Cover the skillet or dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove the skillet or dish from the oven and remove the foil. Fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
5. Return the skillet or dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
7. Serve the Italian Chicken Rice Casserole hot and enjoy the flavorful blend of Italian spices, tender chicken, and fluffy rice.

Serving Suggestions

Complement this heartwarming casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian dressing, tender steamed green beans, or a refreshing tomato-cucumber salad. Pair it with a loaf of crusty garlic bread for a complete, crowd-pleasing dinner. This is a recipe that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and create lasting memories around the dining table.

Bonus Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Are you looking for a delicious and easy appetizer that will impress your guests? Look no further than these Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts! With just a few simple ingredients and the help of an air fryer, you can create a mouthwatering treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to indulge in a tasty snack, these bacon-wrapped sprouts are a winner.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. This flavorful mixture will be the secret to the amazing taste of your bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts.
2. Add 1 & 1/2 pounds of Brussels sprouts to the bowl. Make sure to wash them thoroughly and halve them if needed. Toss the sprouts in the mixture to ensure they are evenly coated.
3. Take each Brussels sprout and wrap it with half a piece of bacon. To keep everything in place, secure the bacon with a toothpick.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking.
5. Place the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they have enough space to cook evenly without touching each other too closely.
6. Cook the sprouts in the air fryer for 15 minutes. The bacon will turn crispy and the Brussels sprouts will become tender.
7. Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly before serving.
8. These Bacon Wrapped Brussels sprouts can be served as an appetizer or a side dish. They are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

So, why wait? Get your air fryer ready and try this delicious recipe today. Your taste buds will thank you!