chicken zucchini rice casserole

chicken zucchini rice casserole

Even though it’s summer, there’s always room for a casserole! This one made from chicken, zucchini, and rice is light and bright and features a great vegetable from this time of the season. It’s a great addition to any weeknight meal!

INGREDIENTS

For the marinade:

• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp honey

For the casserole:

• 1 lb (about 2 large) chicken breast
• 1 1/2 lb (about 1-2 medium) zucchini
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked jasmine rice
• 1 1/4 cups chicken stock
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

For the marinade:

• In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, kosher salt, and honey. Mix to combine.

• Cut the chicken into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and stir to evenly coat all of the chicken. Cover and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

For the casserole:

• Preheat the oven to 350℉.

• Prepare the zucchini by slicing them in half crosswise, then in half lengthwise. Chop each piece into ½-inch thick pieces and set them aside.

• Once the chicken is marinated, heat an oven-safe 12-inch skillet or brasier over medium heat. Add the chicken and discard the remaining marinade. Sauté the chicken until it is browned and cooked, reaching 160℉, 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Add the prepared zucchini to the hot skillet. Sauté the zucchini until it begins to brown, 4-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and thyme leaves. Stir and remove the dish from the heat.

• To the skillet or brasier, pour in the rice and evenly incorporate. In a separate bowl, combine the chicken stock, sour cream, and heavy cream. Whisk until smooth and pour over the rice. Stir the casserole together and season with salt. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and Monterey jack cheese. Cover the skillet with foil or a lid and place in the preheated oven. Bake until the rice is tender, 40-45 minutes. Once the rice is tender, remove the lid and bake until the cheese is browned, 5 minutes.

• Remove the skillet from the oven and serve.