Name: Healthy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced; 1 cup uncooked brown rice (long grain or basmati); 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chopped broccoli florets; 1 cup diced carrots; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 0.5 teaspoon paprika; salt and pepper to taste; olive oil for sautéing

This Healthy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the definition of comfort food made simple. It brings together juicy chicken, tender brown rice, and a medley of wholesome vegetables in a creamy, herb-infused sauce that doesn’t rely on heavy cream or canned soups. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a weeknight staple you’ll feel great about serving.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need something filling and nutritious to feed a crowd, this casserole ticks all the boxes. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and loaded with fiber and lean protein, making it a great choice for health-conscious eaters who still want all the cozy vibes of classic casseroles.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this casserole. Breasts are leaner, while thighs offer more flavor and tenderness. You can even use rotisserie chicken to save time—just reduce the baking time slightly since it’s already cooked.

Ingredients for the Healthy Chicken and Rice Casserole

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
1 cup uncooked brown rice (long grain or basmati)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or low-fat sour cream)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional but recommended)
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chopped broccoli florets
1 cup diced carrots
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for sautéing

How To Make the Healthy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in the carrots and broccoli, sautéing for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 2: Layer and Mix

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, uncooked rice, sautéed veggies, chicken broth, Greek yogurt, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute everything.

Step 3: Assemble in Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread evenly and top with shredded mozzarella if using.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

How to Serve and Store This Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for added veggies. To store, let it cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It also freezes well—portion it out and store for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.

What if I only have white rice?

White rice works too, but reduce the baking time to 35 minutes covered and 10 minutes uncovered.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Zucchini, peas, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions or swaps.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very much so! The cheesy topping and mild flavors make it a hit with picky eaters.

Can I use dairy-free alternatives?

You can swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt and use dairy-free cheese or omit it entirely.

Want More Healthy Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Healthy Chicken and Rice Casserole, try these other delicious and nutritious options:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest healthy dinner board so you always have a quick and cozy meal idea ready to go.

And tell me how it turned out in the comments! Did you swap in cauliflower rice or go extra cheesy? I love seeing how you personalize these dishes.

For even more everyday healthy favorites, follow me on Pinterest at Nina Dishes.

Healthy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Healthy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a feel-good dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Packed with lean protein, veggies, brown rice, and a creamy yogurt-based sauce, it’s baked to bubbly perfection. Great for meal prep, feeding a family, or freezing for later!