Healthy and Easy Chicken Casserole

This healthy baked chicken recipe has a rich and delicious flavor that will please you and your loved one. Made in only one pan, this is an easy dinner recipe that can be whipped up in no time at all. All you need to make this healthy casserole is a few everyday ingredients such as chicken, brown rice, salsa, cheese, tomato juice, and taco seasoning. This is a healthy casserole that won't taste healthy. We suggest you make this for an easy date night dinner. Your loved one will never guess that what they're eating is better for them than a traditional casserole.

Notes

We used brown rice for extra nutritional value. If you wish to use white rice, it will cook in less time, so bake for 25 minutes before checking and proceeding. To use instant rice, be sure the chicken is completely cooked on top of the stove, then proceed, cutting baking time to 15 to 20 minutes.

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Cooking MethodCasserole

Ingredients

1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breast
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3/4 cup brown rice
2 (6-ounce) cans low-sodium V8 or tomato juice
2 tablespoons prepared salsa
1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 ounces reduced fat Velveeta or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
chopped cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degree F.
Brush chicken liberally with oil on both sides. In a covered deep pan, brown chicken over medium-high heat for 3 minutes on each side. The chicken breasts may not be cooked through, but they will finish cooking in the oven.
Remove chicken from the pan. Add the brown rice, juice, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, stirring briefly. Tuck the chicken into the rice and cover. Bake for 45 minutes.
Uncover and check to see that the rice is cooked; if not, return to the oven for a few more minutes. Stir the rice and sprinkle cheese on top of the chicken. Return to the oven, uncovered, 5 more minutes until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley and serve.