Malibu Madness Casserole

Dive into a tropical escape with this Malibu Madness Casserole, a bold fusion of creamy coconut milk, juicy pineapple chunks, and tender seared chicken breasts. This one-dish wonder pairs long-grain rice toasted to perfection with sautéed red bell pepper and onion, all simmered in a sweet and savory broth enhanced with soy sauce and a splash of lime juice. Finished with a golden layer of melted mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, this casserole is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Ideal for weeknight dinners or a crowd-pleasing centerpiece, this recipe is easy to prepare and brings the sunny flavors of the tropics straight to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks (in juice)
• 1.5 cups long-grain rice
• 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 piece red bell pepper, diced
• 1 piece yellow onion, diced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 3

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts for 2 minutes on each side until lightly browned but not cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced red bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Add the rice to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it.

Step 6

Pour in the coconut milk, vegetable broth, soy sauce, and lime juice. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 7

Transfer the rice mixture to a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Distribute the pineapple chunks evenly over the top (reserve the juice for another use or discard).

Step 8

Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.

Step 9

Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature), and the rice is tender.

Step 11

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1974.4 grams (1974.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2028

Total Fat 71.10g	91%
Saturated Fat 23.60g	118%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.10g
Cholesterol 376mg	125%
Sodium 5732mg	249%
Total Carbohydrate 178.90g	65%
Dietary Fiber 12.30g	44%
Total Sugars 47.50g
Protein 158.70g	317%

Vitamin D 4IU	18%
Calcium 1034mg	80%
Iron 11mg	59%
Potassium 2815mg	60%

*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: 32.2%

Protein: 31.9%

Carbs: 36.0%