Healthy Chicken And Brown Rice Casserole

Name: Healthy Chicken And Brown Rice Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 1 cup brown rice, uncooked; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots); 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Good-For-You Recipes

I love making this Healthy Chicken And Brown Rice Casserole for my family, especially when we need a comforting yet wholesome meal. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful spices, and nutritious brown rice, it’s a complete dish that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Every bite is a perfect blend of textures and tastes, making it a favorite in our household. Plus, I love how it all comes together in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with my loved ones.

Created by

Camilla Rhodes

Last updated on 2026-02-27T12:49:39.071Z

While creating this casserole, I experimented with various spices and vegetables to find the perfect combination. I discovered that sautéing the onions and garlic first really enhances the flavor profile, adding a depth that rounds out the dish beautifully. Using brown rice ensures that it maintains a slight chewiness while absorbing the creamy sauce and seasonings.

My go-to trick is to use a mix of low-sodium chicken broth and Greek yogurt to keep it healthy yet satisfyingly creamy. This not only boosts the protein content but also helps in achieving that rich taste without the added calories. It truly makes this casserole a family favorite!

You Will Love This Recipe Because:
A nutritious twist on comfort food that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Packed with flavors that kids and adults will both appreciate.
Leftovers reheat beautifully, making lunches a breeze.

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of this casserole lies in the quality of the chicken and brown rice. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures that the dish remains tender and juicy after baking. Brown rice, on the other hand, provides a hearty texture and is rich in fiber compared to white rice, making it a more nutritious choice. I prefer a medium-grain brown rice for this recipe, as it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well, creating a cohesive dish.

The choice of mixed vegetables also contributes to both flavor and nutrition. Fresh or frozen peas and carrots blend seamlessly into the casserole, offering bright colors and vitamins. Opting for frozen vegetables can speed up preparation time without sacrificing taste. If you have leftover veggies in your fridge, feel free to throw them in; just be mindful of their cooking times so they don't become mushy.

Cooking Techniques for Success

Getting the browning on the chicken right is crucial for building flavor. Sauté the chicken just until it no longer shows pink, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This step not only enhances the overall taste but also helps to lock in moisture, preventing dry chicken. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken—just add it to the casserole in the last baking phase to warm it through.

When mixing in the yogurt before the final bake, it’s important to do so gently. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess that enhance the casserole’s richness. For a less tart flavor, you can substitute regular sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Just remember to keep an eye on baking time, as different dairy products may affect the bubbling and browning.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 cup brown rice, uncooked
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots)
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Make sure you have everything ready before you begin!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your casserole:

Prepare the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned.

Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the uncooked brown rice, chicken broth, mixed vegetables, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Bake the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.

Add Toppings

In the last 5 minutes of baking, remove the foil, add Greek yogurt and cheese if using, and return to the oven until bubbly.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite veggies or spices for added flavor!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Healthy Chicken and Brown Rice Casserole is an excellent make-ahead option. You can assemble it the night before and store it in the refrigerator, then bake it the next day. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking. This is particularly crucial for the rice, which needs time to absorb the flavors and cook properly.

For storage, any leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. When reheating, I recommend using the oven to maintain the texture. Just cover the casserole with foil and heat it at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. If using the microwave, add a splash of broth or water to help steam the casserole and keep it moist during reheating.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

To elevate your serving experience, consider garnishing the casserole with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also freshens the dish’s flavor profile. A side salad dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon juice complements the casserole beautifully, providing a crisp contrast to the creamy textures.

If you're looking to switch up flavors, try adding spices like cumin or Italian seasoning to the mix. You can also incorporate cooked quinoa or lentils as part of the grain component for added protein and texture. Transforming this dish into a vegetarian option is easy too; simply replace the chicken with chickpeas or black beans, adjusting the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is well heated through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready to eat.

→ Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.

→ What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

You can use sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative if you prefer.

→ How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.