Ina Garten’s Chicken Casserole Recipe – Easy and Delicious Recipe

When comfort food calls, few things deliver quite the way Ina Garten’s Chicken Casserole Recipe – Easy and Delicious does. Imagine golden, bubbling cheese, tender bites of chicken, and plenty of colorful veggies all melded together with rich flavors and creamy textures. This is the kind of meal you want to bring to family potlucks or serve on a busy weeknight, knowing it’ll earn rave reviews (and maybe some second helpings) every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list is everything you want in a cozy casserole—simple, familiar, and versatile. Each item here plays an essential role, from adding depth and color to making sure every bite is as satisfying as the last.

• Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures the casserole won’t stick, making serving and cleanup easy.
• 1 1/2 cups brown Minute Rice: Quick-cooking brown rice offers a hearty, wholesome base that’s ready by the time your casserole is cooked.
• 5 cups chopped broccoli florets (1 full head): Broccoli brings color and a delicious, slightly crisp texture to each bite.
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced: Onion builds in savory depth and aroma, which rounds out all the flavors.
• 2 medium carrots, finely diced: Carrots add a pop of color and gentle sweetness to balance the cheese and chicken.
• 1 1/2 cups frozen green peas: Peas add color, protein, and that classic comfort food vibe.
• 2 cups chicken broth: Infuses all of the ingredients with full, savory flavor while keeping everything moist.
• 1 1/2 cups 2% milk: Helps make the cheese sauce luscious and creamy—use your favorite milk alternative if needed!
• 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Rich, melty cheddar stars here, creating both the sauce and the golden topping.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle garlicky touch that wakes up the whole dish.
• 1/8 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the casserole.
• 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper: Adds a little warmth and just the right amount of pep.
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast: Lean, juicy protein that becomes wonderfully tender as it bakes.
• 1 ounce shredded parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty finish that makes every forkful divine.
• Optional substitutions: Use gluten-free rice for gluten-free needs, almond or oat milk as a dairy-free base, or swap in vegan cheese for a plant-based version.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Chicken Casserole Recipe – Easy and Delicious

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish

Let’s set the stage for perfection! Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grab a large ceramic casserole dish and coat it generously with nonstick cooking spray. This simple trick ensures that glorious cheesy layer won’t stay behind when you serve the first scoop.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Time to build flavor from the ground up! Scatter the brown Minute Rice across the dish, followed by your fresh broccoli florets, finely diced yellow onion, carrots, and a blanket of frozen green peas. This rainbow of veggies is the heart and soul of Ina Garten’s Chicken Casserole Recipe – Easy and Delicious: vibrant, hearty, and satisfying with every single bite.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Cheese sauce is where the magic happens. In a small saucepan, combine chicken broth and 2% milk. Warm gently over medium heat, then lower the heat and stir in 6 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk constantly until the cheese melts and becomes silky-smooth. This luscious sauce is what binds everything together and gives the casserole its signature richness.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Now, pour that creamy cheese sauce evenly over your waiting rice and veggie layers. Toss gently to combine—making sure every grain and veggie is coated in that glorious sauce. This step seals in all that flavor and sets the stage for seriously happy eating.

Step 5: Add the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces (bite-sized is best!) and distribute them evenly over the rice and vegetable mixture. Nestle them into the cheese sauce so the chicken gets mega flavorful and stays juicy as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake

Slide your casserole uncovered into the oven and let it bake for 30 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining 2 ounces of cheddar cheese plus 1 ounce of parmesan over the top, then return to the oven for another 15–20 minutes. When the top is beautifully golden and bubbly, Ina Garten’s Chicken Casserole Recipe – Easy and Delicious is officially ready to wow!

How to Serve Ina Garten’s Chicken Casserole Recipe – Easy and Delicious

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, scatter some fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra parmesan for pops of color and flavor. A touch of cracked black pepper or even a bit of paprika can give your casserole a bit more visual flare. Serving it fresh from the oven means every spoonful is steaming, creamy, and irresistible.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty and full of flavor, making it a stellar main dish on its own. If you want to round out the meal, serve Ina Garten’s Chicken Casserole Recipe – Easy and Delicious with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a warm basket of garlic bread. Even just a simple side of roasted asparagus or green beans would complement these classic flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

You can get playful with serving! Offer individual portions in small ramekins for dinner parties, or spoon the casserole into hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic twist. The vibrant layers look stunning on a big platter garnished with herbs—perfect for a family-style feast or cozy gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (it happens, but not often!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making leftovers a delicious lunch or easy dinner the next day.

Freezing

Ina Garten’s Chicken Casserole Recipe – Easy and Delicious freezes quite well, making it excellent for meal planning. Cool the casserole completely, then wrap tightly with foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before you plan to reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 25 minutes. For a quick option, the microwave works too—just heat individual portions on medium until warmed through. A sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating adds a perfect melty finish.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds great flavor. Simply scatter about 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken over the veggie and rice base before adding your cheese sauce.

Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out the 2% milk for almond or oat milk (unsweetened and unflavored) and use your favorite non-dairy cheese alternatives. It won’t lose its creamy character, and you can still enjoy all the cozy comfort.

What’s the best rice to use if I don’t have Minute Rice?

If you have regular brown or white rice on hand, cook it most of the way through before adding. The casserole’s baking time isn’t quite long enough to cook traditional rice from raw, so prepping it ahead ensures everything comes out perfectly tender.

Can I prepare Ina Garten’s Chicken Casserole Recipe – Easy and Delicious in advance?

You sure can! Assemble everything a day ahead, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, set out at room temperature while the oven preheats—just add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I use instead of broccoli?

Cauliflower florets, chopped spinach, or even zucchini work well instead of broccoli. Feel free to mix and match based on what’s in season or what your family prefers—Ina Garten’s Chicken Casserole Recipe – Easy and Delicious is all about flexibility!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that wraps you in warmth and delivers loads of flavor with every bite, Ina Garten’s Chicken Casserole Recipe – Easy and Delicious is a must-try. With easy prep, simple ingredients, and irresistible results, it’s the kind of classic comfort you’ll reach for again and again—so don’t wait, gather your ingredients and dive right in!

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