Looking for a comforting dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with nutrients? This Healthy Chicken and Rice Casserole is your perfect answer. It’s a hearty one-dish meal that comes together with simple ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep Sundays.

This casserole combines tender chicken breast, fluffy rice, and a medley of vibrant vegetables like broccoli and carrots. It’s seasoned just right and baked to golden perfection, giving you a deliciously satisfying dish with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breast works best because it’s lean and cooks quickly. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier texture. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.

Ingredients for the Healthy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken Breast: Lean protein that makes this dish hearty without being heavy.

Brown or White Rice: Brown rice adds fiber and a nutty flavor, while white rice gives a softer texture and cooks faster.

Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color.

Broccoli Florets: A nutritious veggie that holds up well in the oven.

Onion and Garlic: These aromatics provide a savory base and depth of flavor.

Chicken Broth: Keeps the casserole moist while infusing it with rich flavor.

Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding a touch of healthy fat.

Salt, Pepper, and Italian Seasoning: These simple spices enhance all the ingredients without overpowering them.

Fresh Parsley (optional): For a final touch of color and freshness.

How To Make the Healthy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Chop your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Dice the carrots, broccoli florets, onion, and garlic. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add diced onion, garlic, and carrots. Cook for about 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed veggies, raw chicken pieces, rice, broccoli florets, seasonings, and chicken broth. Stir everything until well coated.

Step 4: Bake It All

Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50–60 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the foil and let it sit for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving for a fresh, herby finish.

Serving and Storing This Casserole

Serve this casserole hot, straight from the oven, with a side salad or crusty whole grain bread if desired. It also makes an excellent meal prep option—simply divide it into individual containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

To freeze, let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dairy-free?

This recipe is naturally dairy-free as written. Just be sure your chicken broth doesn’t contain hidden dairy ingredients.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes! Just thaw and drain them well before mixing into the casserole to avoid excess moisture.

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white or brown rice both work well. Avoid quick-cooking or instant rice as it may become mushy.

Can I add cheese?

Absolutely. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or until the rice and chicken are fully cooked. Be mindful of the moisture level.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this healthy chicken and rice bake, here are more satisfying weeknight meals you’ll want to try next:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest healthy dinners board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a different veggie mix or swap in quinoa? Did you top it with cheese?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Get more of my favorite quick dinner ideas on Pinterest: Life with Nina.

Healthy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Healthy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a wholesome, family-friendly dinner packed with lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains. Perfect for weeknights or make-ahead meal prep, it’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Dice chicken breast, carrots, broccoli, onion, and garlic.

3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and carrots. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.

4. In a large bowl, mix the sautéed vegetables, raw chicken, rice, broccoli, seasonings, and chicken broth. Stir well.

5. Transfer to a greased casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.

6. Let sit uncovered for 5 minutes. Top with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

Be sure to use long-grain rice for best texture—avoid instant or quick-cooking rice.

If using frozen vegetables, thaw and drain them well before adding.

For added richness, sprinkle cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Healthy chicken casserole, easy meal prep, chicken and rice

Healthy Chicken and Rice Casserole

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Ingredients for the Healthy Chicken and Rice Casserole