Easy Chicken Pilaf Casserole

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this comforting and flavor-packed Easy Chicken Pilaf Casserole. This one-dish wonder combines tender chicken breasts, fragrant basmati rice, and a medley of vibrant vegetables, all simmered in savory chicken broth and seasoned with warm spices like cumin and paprika. Perfect for busy evenings, this casserole boasts minimal prep and bakes to perfection in just 30 minutes, leaving you with soft, fluffy rice and juicy, golden-brown chicken. The addition of frozen peas and a sprinkle of fresh parsley add a pop of color and freshness, making this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. With easy preparation and family-friendly flavors, this Chicken Pilaf Casserole is the ultimate answer to a wholesome, satisfying meal everyone will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Chicken breasts
• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups Chicken broth
• 1 medium, diced Onion
• 3 minced Garlic cloves
• 2 medium, diced Carrots
• 1 cup Frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Butter
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 piece Bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter in a large oven-safe casserole dish or skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Season the chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, then sear in the casserole dish for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 5

Add the remaining olive oil to the same dish, then sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced carrots for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 6

Stir in the cumin, paprika, remaining salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release the spices' aroma.

Step 7

Add the drained rice to the skillet and stir to coat with the vegetables and spices.

Step 8

Pour in the chicken broth, add the bay leaf, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 9

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the rice mixture. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

Step 11

Remove the casserole from the oven, uncover, and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the frozen peas, then cover and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the peas to heat through.

Step 12

Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1534.5 grams (1534.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1483

Total Fat 54.80g	70%
Saturated Fat 14.60g	73%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.10g
Cholesterol 319mg	106%
Sodium 3910mg	170%
Total Carbohydrate 109.70g	40%
Dietary Fiber 16.60g	59%
Total Sugars 24.00g
Protein 134.00g	268%

Vitamin D 2IU	11%
Calcium 262mg	20%
Iron 13mg	70%
Potassium 1698mg	36%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.6%

Protein: 36.5%

Carbs: 29.9%