Description
A 1-bake layered casserole with tender chicken thighs, fluffy rice, zesty tomato sauce, and a golden ricotta cheese crust. The no-peek method ensures perfect doneness with just a single oven check. Halal-friendly and family-sized, this baked dish offers protein and comfort in one pan.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs skinned chicken thighs
2 cups chilled rice
1 cup marinara-style tomato sauce
1/2 cup no-salt-added chicken broth
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
8 oz ricotta (room temperature)
3 cloves garlic (minced or jarred)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F while preparing chicken layer
Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil
Arrange seasoned chicken skin-side down in greased 9×13-inch dish
Combine broth, tomato sauce, and garlic in saucepan. Bring to simmer
Pour sauce over chicken, cover dish, and cook 20 minutes
Uncover, layer chilled rice over chicken, cover again
Bake 40 minutes without opening oven until top is golden
Finish with ricotta mixture (see note) for 5 minutes
Let rest 10 minutes before serving
Notes
For ricotta topping: mix ricotta with 2 tbsp flour, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tsp Italian herbs
Use frozen peas/carrots mix optional (add during layering)
Chicken can be browned first (optional step not in article)
Cover for sinker layer, uncover for top for golden crust
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg