Go Back

Banana Pepper Chicken and Rice Casserole

A comforting and flavorful casserole featuring tender chicken thighs, tangy banana peppers, and creamy rice, all baked in one dish for an easy weeknight meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1.5 cups Long-grain white rice, uncooked Measure carefully to maintain liquid ratio.
  • 2.5 cups Chicken broth Ensure it’s gluten-free if necessary.
  • 1 cup Jarred banana pepper rings, drained
  • 3 tablespoons Banana pepper brine Don't dump this down the drain; it adds flavor.
  • 1 can Cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces) Check for gluten-free options if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, cracked
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
  • 1.5 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In the greased baking dish, combine uncooked rice, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup. Whisk together, then add banana pepper rings and the reserved brine.
  3. Sprinkle in garlic powder and Italian seasoning, stirring until smooth and evenly distributed.
Cooking
  1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, placing them on top of the rice mixture, making sure they are partially submerged.
  2. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes without lifting the foil.
  3. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the casserole.
  4. Return to the oven uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Serving
  1. Let the casserole rest for about five minutes before serving.
  2. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider searing the chicken thighs briefly before baking. You can also use rotisserie chicken to reduce the bake time.