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Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

A comforting chicken rice casserole that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and wholesome vegetables for a delicious family meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion (from 1 medium onion)
  • 2 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1.75 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup whole or 2% milk
  • 0.75 tsp freshly ground black pepper divided
  • 0.75 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, peas, green beans)
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs trimmed
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz)
  • hot sauce for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish. Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Coat an 11x7-inch or 1 1/2-quart baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
  • Sauté the onion in butter. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp of unsalted butter. Add the diced yellow onion and 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Sauté until the onion is soft, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Stir in the flour. Sprinkle in the 3 tbsp of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to coat the flour in butter.
  • Add chicken broth and milk. Pour in 1 3/4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Whisk to incorporate, scraping browned bits from the pan. Pour in 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 tsp of black pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.
  • Combine sauce with rice and vegetables. Place 3/4 cup of uncooked rice and 3 cups of frozen mixed vegetables in the baking dish. Pour in the sauce and stir to combine.
  • Season and place the chicken on top. Season the chicken thighs with the remaining salt and pepper. Nestle the chicken on top of the rice mixture. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
  • Bake for 1 hour. Bake until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches 160°F (71°C), about 1 hour.
  • Top with shredded cheese. Turn off the oven. Uncover the dish and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the warm oven uncovered until the cheese melts, for 2-4 minutes.

Notes

For a crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes after melting the cheese.
Keyword Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe