1.5lbboneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1tsppaprika
2tbspunsalted butter, melted
1cupshredded cheddar cheeseoptional
2tbspfresh parsley, choppedfor garnish, optional
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Combine rice, broth, condensed soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper in the dish.
Fold in peas and carrots, if using, until evenly dispersed.
Pat chicken dry. Toss with a pinch of salt and half the paprika. Nestle the pieces over the rice mixture.
Drizzle melted butter over the top and dust with remaining paprika. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
Bake 40 minutes. Uncover, stir gently to redistribute rice, and sprinkle cheddar on top if using.
Bake 10–15 minutes more, until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F. Rest 10 minutes, then garnish with parsley.
Notes
Swap in boneless thighs for extra juiciness, or stir in 1–2 tbsp lemon juice and fresh dill for a brighter finish. Leftovers reheat well: add a splash of broth, cover, and warm in a 325°F oven until creamy again.This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.