Description
Make weeknight dinners easy with this Summer Chicken and Rice Bake with Fresh Veggies! Packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, colorful summer vegetables, and delicious savory seasonings, this one-pan casserole is the perfect family-friendly comfort meal. Great for meal prep, busy evenings, potlucks, and using fresh garden produce, this healthy baked chicken and rice recipe is hearty, wholesome, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Topping (Optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Dice the chicken and chop the zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, onion, and garlic into evenly sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Add the rice, chicken broth, zucchini, bell peppers, corn, tomatoes, onion, and garlic to the bowl, then stir well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and basil before serving.
Notes
- Use the right rice: Long-grain white rice works best for even cooking. If using brown rice, increase the broth and baking time.
- Keep it covered: Seal the baking dish tightly with foil during the first bake to trap steam and ensure the rice cooks properly.
- Make it your own: Swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, green beans, or squash for easy customization.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 servings
- Calories: 420 calories
