Seasoned Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• 8-10 small to medium sized chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp salt, divided
• 1 tsp black pepper, divided
• 1 tbsp paprika, divided
• 1 tbsp onion powder, divided
• 1 tbsp garlic powder, divided
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, divided

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
• Add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, and half of all the seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning) into the prepared baking dish. Stir well to combine.
• Place the chicken drumsticks on top of the rice mixture, side by side. Season the top of the chicken with the remaining half of the seasonings, ensuring each drumstick is evenly coated.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes to ensure the rice is cooked through and the chicken is tender.
• Carefully remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the chicken skin to crisp up slightly.
• Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious and easy chicken and rice casserole!

Tips for the Best Chicken and Rice Casserole:

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for good-quality chicken broth for a richer flavor.
• Even Seasoning: Make sure the chicken and rice are evenly seasoned for the best taste.
• Don’t Overcook: Check the rice for doneness to avoid a mushy casserole.

Variations and Add-ins: Elevate Your Casserole

This chicken and rice casserole is delicious as is, but it also serves as a great base for experimentation. Here are a few variations and add-ins to consider:

• Vegetables: Add chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, or bell peppers to the rice mixture for added nutrients and flavor. Frozen peas or mixed vegetables can also be used.
• Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan cheese over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Substitute part of the chicken broth with cream of mushroom soup for a creamier, more decadent casserole.
• Spices: Adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or use different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor profile.
• Different Cuts of Chicken: While this recipe calls for drumsticks, you can also use chicken thighs, breasts, or wings. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Video

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