Description
This One Pan Chicken & Rice Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish featuring tender bone-in chicken thighs seared to golden perfection and baked with a flavorful mixture of rice, mushrooms, onions, garlic, and peas. All cooked together in an oven-safe skillet, this hearty meal delivers delicious, home-cooked goodness with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup frozen peas
Liquids and Fats
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken thighs evenly on all sides with salt, pepper, and paprika to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add chopped onions and sliced mushrooms, cooking for about 5 minutes until onions become translucent and mushrooms soften.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, enhancing the aromatic base.
- Toast Rice: Add the rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes to develop a nutty flavor.
- Add Broth and Peas: Pour in chicken broth and add frozen peas. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer on the stovetop.
- Combine Chicken and Rice: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the rice mixture, skin side up, to cook evenly during baking.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- For even cooking, use a heavy oven-safe skillet such as cast iron or stainless steel with a thick base.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley or other fresh herbs like thyme can be used as a garnish.
- Bone-in chicken thighs provide more flavor and moisture compared to boneless, but boneless can be used for convenience—adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Make sure the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American