Description
Comfort meets elegance in this hearty Chicken Marsala Casserole, blending classic Italian flavors with homestyle cooking. Rich mushroom sauce and tender chicken create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners, promising warmth and deliciousness in every savory bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (coarsely chopped (about 1½ cups shredded))
Primary Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 16 ounces (450 grams) mushrooms (sliced)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
- ½ cup Marsala wine (or white wine)
- ½ cup fat-free half & half
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Grains and Garnish:
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Set the oven to 375°F and prepare a spacious baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
- Heat a large skillet with butter and olive oil over medium-high temperature. Sauté onions and mushrooms until they become translucent and tender, releasing their rich earthy aromas. Incorporate garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper, then dust with flour to create a delicate thickening base.
- Deglaze the skillet with Marsala wine, allowing the liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors. Introduce half & half and chicken broth, stirring continuously to develop a velvety, smooth sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
- Create a foundation of uncooked brown rice across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked chicken pieces evenly over the rice, ensuring consistent coverage. Pour the luscious mushroom sauce directly over the chicken and rice, making certain every grain and morsel is generously coated.
- Seal the casserole tightly with aluminum foil, creating a steamy environment that will perfectly cook the rice. Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, monitoring the liquid absorption and rice tenderness.
- If the rice requires additional cooking, increase the oven temperature to 400°F and continue baking until grains are fully tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Uncover the casserole and sprinkle a generous layer of Parmesan cheese across the surface. Return to the oven for a final 5-7 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and develop a golden, crispy texture.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for several minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, herbal finish before serving this comforting one-dish meal.
Notes
- Prep ahead by cooking chicken in advance to save time during meal preparation.
- Using brown rice provides more nutrients and fiber compared to white rice.
- Marsala wine adds deep, rich flavor but can be substituted with white wine if unavailable.
- Cover casserole tightly with foil to ensure rice cooks evenly and stays moist.
- For a crispy cheese topping, broil for 1-2 minutes after adding Parmesan instead of baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg