Heavenly 3Layer Chicken and Rice Recipe: The Perfect Celebration Treat

Heavenly 3Layer Chicken and Rice Recipe: The Perfect Celebration Treat

Summary

Looking for a delicious, soul-warming dish that is sure to wow your family or guests? This Heavenly 3-Layer Chicken and Rice Recipe combines tender chicken, perfectly seasoned rice, and a rich blend of flavors that create a beautiful meal for any celebration. Not only is this recipe packed with flavor, but it’s also simple to make, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or a comforting family dinner.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 6

Calories: 480 kcal per serving

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Equipment

• Large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Medium saucepan
• Aluminum foil (optional for covering during baking)

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Rice:

• 1.5 cups long-grain rice (preferably basmati or jasmine)
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for color and flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (for added richness)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh lemon wedges for garnish
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

1. Begin by placing the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and thyme.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, and toss until each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning.
3. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

1. While the chicken marinates, start preparing the rice. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch; this will prevent it from becoming too sticky.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice, turmeric, salt, and pepper, and stir for 1-2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted and coated in the oil and spices.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the broth is fully absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Sear them on each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside temporarily.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried basil. Season with a little salt and pepper, and stir until smooth.
2. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more garlic or Parmesan if you want an extra boost of flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

1. Begin with a layer of the cooked rice on the bottom of your skillet or casserole dish.
2. Next, add a layer of the seared chicken on top of the rice.
3. Pour the creamy yogurt sauce evenly over the chicken and rice, ensuring the sauce covers the top layer completely.

Step 6: Bake

1. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil to prevent the top from drying out.
2. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld beautifully.
3. For a slightly browned, bubbly top, remove the cover in the last 5 minutes of baking and switch the oven to broil. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
2. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top, add a few lemon wedges on the side, and, if desired, a little more Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve hot, with each layer revealing its unique flavors for a delightful dining experience!

Notes

• Choosing the Chicken: For extra juiciness, opt for chicken thighs. Chicken breasts work as well, but they might be slightly drier than thighs.
• Rice Options: Long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine is ideal for this dish because they remain separate and fluffy. Avoid using short-grain rice, which can become sticky.
• Creaminess Variations: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat milk or half-and-half if you want a lighter version of the sauce. Coconut milk can also be used for a dairy-free twist.
• Spice Variations: If you enjoy a little kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until hot.

Heavenly 3Layer Chicken and Rice Recipe: The Perfect Celebration Treat

Conclusion

This Heavenly 3-Layer Chicken and Rice Recipe is a show-stopping meal that’s perfect for celebrating with family and friends or simply enjoying a special dinner. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy sauce makes each bite a comforting, flavor-packed experience. Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete feast. Try more celebration-worthy recipes here for your next event!

Heavenly 3-Layer Chicken and Rice Recipe: The Perfect Celebration Treat

Looking for a delicious, soul-warming dish that is sure to wow your family or guests? This Heavenly 3-Layer Chicken and Rice Recipe combines tender chicken, perfectly seasoned rice, and a rich blend of flavors that create a beautiful meal for any celebration. Not only is this recipe packed with flavor, but it’s also simple to make, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or a comforting family dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

• Large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Medium saucepan
• Aluminum foil (optional for covering during baking)

Ingredients

  

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• For the Rice:
• 1.5 cups long-grain rice preferably basmati or jasmine
• 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric for color and flavor
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Sauce:
• 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream for added richness
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional Toppings:
• Fresh parsley chopped
• Fresh lemon wedges for garnish
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
• Begin by placing the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and thyme.
• Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, and toss until each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning.
• Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate.
• Step 2: Cook the Rice
• While the chicken marinates, start preparing the rice. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch; this will prevent it from becoming too sticky.
• In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice, turmeric, salt, and pepper, and stir for 1-2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted and coated in the oil and spices.
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the broth is fully absorbed.
• Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
• Step 3: Sear the Chicken
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Sear them on each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside temporarily.
• Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
• In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried basil. Season with a little salt and pepper, and stir until smooth.
• Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more garlic or Parmesan if you want an extra boost of flavor.
• Step 5: Assemble the Layers
• Begin with a layer of the cooked rice on the bottom of your skillet or casserole dish.
• Next, add a layer of the seared chicken on top of the rice.
• Pour the creamy yogurt sauce evenly over the chicken and rice, ensuring the sauce covers the top layer completely.
• Step 6: Bake
• Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil to prevent the top from drying out.
• Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld beautifully.
• For a slightly browned, bubbly top, remove the cover in the last 5 minutes of baking and switch the oven to broil. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Step 7: Garnish and Serve
• Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top, add a few lemon wedges on the side, and, if desired, a little more Parmesan cheese.
• Serve hot, with each layer revealing its unique flavors for a delightful dining experience!

Notes

Choosing the Chicken: For extra juiciness, opt for chicken thighs. Chicken breasts work as well, but they might be slightly drier than thighs.
Rice Options: Long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine is ideal for this dish because they remain separate and fluffy. Avoid using short-grain rice, which can become sticky.
Creaminess Variations: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat milk or half-and-half if you want a lighter version of the sauce. Coconut milk can also be used for a dairy-free twist.
Spice Variations: If you enjoy a little kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until hot.