Chicken Cacciatore Casserole
A hearty chicken casserole featuring tender chicken breasts, flavorful tomato and wine sauce, and melty mozzarella, perfect for comforting family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups uncooked quick cooking rice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can chicken broth
- 1 (6 oz.) can Hunts tomato paste
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced, drained mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Spread uncooked quick cooking rice in the bottom of a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, chicken broth, tomato paste, sliced mushrooms, water, white wine, chopped onion, bell pepper, basil, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the rice in the baking dish.
- Place chicken breast fillets on top of the rice and sauce.
- Cover and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice before adding it to the casserole. If you're out of dry white wine, chicken broth can be used as a substitute. You can also use brown rice instead of quick cooking rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Fresh herbs can enhance the dish's flavor, so feel free to add oregano or thyme.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Cacciatore Casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a refreshing side, consider an Italian-Style Chicken Salad. A glass of dry white wine complements the flavors of the dish, enhancing your dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power until warm, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cacciatore Casserole contains roughly 191 calories, with 14g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of quick cooking rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time, so consider pre-cooking it slightly or increasing the overall bake time to ensure it's tender and fully cooked.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth or water can be used as a substitute. However, chicken broth adds a richer flavor, so if using water, consider enhancing the dish with additional herbs or spices.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, you can mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the sauce before pouring it over the rice. Alternatively, serving the casserole with a spicy marinara sauce on the side can also provide a flavorful kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).