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When it comes to family-friendly dinners, few dishes can compete with the comforting allure of a casserole. Among these, Zesty Baked Chicken & Rice Casserole stands out as a delightful combination of flavors and textures, offering a satisfying meal that is both simple to prepare and delicious to eat. This dish encapsulates the essence of home-cooked comfort, making it a staple for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Zesty Baked Chicken & Rice Casserole

Discover the ultimate family-friendly dinner with Zesty Baked Chicken & Rice Casserole, a comforting one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights and gatherings. This easy-to-prepare casserole combines tender chicken, hearty rice, and flavorful vegetables, delivering a deliciously satisfying meal. Enjoy the convenience of creating this dish ahead of time, with endless customization options to suit any dietary preference. Bring warmth and comfort to your table with this delicious recipe that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked white rice

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

      Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red and green bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

        Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed chicken, sautéed vegetables, thawed peas and carrots, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

          Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

            Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.

              Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

                Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 servings