Get ready to discover your new weeknight champion. This Garlic Butter Chicken Dump & Bake Casserole is the answer to the age-old question, “What’s for dinner?” when you have zero time and energy. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers a ridiculously flavorful, creamy, and satisfying dinner with almost no effort. You simply dump the ingredients in a dish and let the oven do all the work. It’s the perfect one-pan meal for busy families who crave comfort food without the fuss.
We’re talking tender chicken breasts baked in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce with perfectly cooked rice, all in one dish. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for those hectic evenings when you need a delicious meal on the table fast.
Why This Garlic Butter Chicken Dump & Bake Casserole is a Weeknight Hero
Let’s be honest, recipes that claim to be easy can sometimes be anything but. This one, however, truly lives up to the promise. It’s designed from the ground up to be the simplest, most reliable dish in your rotation.
Truly a “Dump & Bake” Recipe
The beauty of this recipe is in its name. There’s no pre-cooking, no sautéing, and minimal chopping. You literally place your ingredients into the casserole dish, give it a quick stir, and slide it into the oven. It frees up your time to help with homework, relax, or simply not stand over a hot stove.
Incredibly Flavorful
Don’t let the simplicity fool you. The combination of savory butter, sharp garlic, and Italian herbs creates a sauce that tastes like it has been simmering for hours. As it bakes, the chicken becomes wonderfully tender and the rice absorbs all of that delicious, savory flavor, resulting in a dish that’s bursting with taste in every single bite.
Perfect for the Whole Family
This casserole is a certified crowd-pleaser. The flavors are comforting and familiar, making it a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a complete, hearty meal that you can feel good about serving. For another family-favorite, check out this recipe for an easy one-pot beefaroni.
The Key Ingredients for Your Casserole
The magic of this dish lies in using simple, everyday ingredients that pack a huge flavor punch. You likely have most of these in your pantry and refrigerator right now.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here. They bake up tender and juicy in the sauce.
- Long-Grain White Rice: Use uncooked long-grain white rice, like Jasmine or Basmati. It will cook perfectly in the oven, absorbing the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: This is the primary cooking liquid for the rice and forms the base of our sauce.
- Butter: The star of the show! Melted unsalted butter creates that rich, savory flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- Italian Seasoning: A simple blend of dried herbs that adds depth and an aromatic quality.
- Onion Powder: Adds a savory base note that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley: For a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color.
How to Make The Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Dump & Bake Casserole
Follow these simple steps for a flawless casserole every time. This is where the “dump and bake” magic happens. It’s so easy, you’ll have it memorized after making it once.
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish; no need to grease it.
- Combine Liquids: In the baking dish, pour in the chicken broth and melted butter. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together directly in the dish.
- Add Rice and Chicken: Sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the dish. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture in a single layer.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is a crucial step to ensure the rice steams and cooks properly. Bake for 35-45 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: After baking, carefully remove the foil. The rice should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid, and the chicken should be cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Results
Even the simplest recipes have a few secrets to success. Here are my top tips for making this Garlic Butter Chicken Dump & Bake Casserole absolutely perfect.
- Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering the dish tightly is essential. It traps the steam, which cooks the rice and keeps the chicken moist. If the rice isn’t fully cooked, cover it again and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Use Fresh Garlic: While garlic powder is a fine substitute, freshly minced garlic cloves will give you a much more robust and aromatic flavor.
- Choose the Right Rice: This recipe is specifically developed for long-grain white rice. Brown rice or other grains have different cooking times and liquid requirements and may not work without adjustments.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving lets the chicken juices redistribute and the rice soak up any remaining sauce, making it even more flavorful. For a different but equally delicious casserole idea, try our popular sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole.
Fun Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it. Use this as a base and get creative!
- Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of frozen peas and carrots or some chopped broccoli florets with the rice for a true one-dish meal.
- Make it Cheesy: Sprinkle a cup of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a bubbly, golden-brown crust.
- A Touch of Spice: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a little kick of heat.
What to Serve with Your Casserole
This is a fantastic all-in-one meal, but if you want to round it out, here are a few simple sides that pair beautifully:
- A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans or asparagus.
- A side of crusty bread for soaking up any extra garlic butter sauce.
- For another amazing side dish, try this perfect Parmesan Garlic Rice.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This dish makes for fantastic leftovers, perfect for lunch the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly to maintain its deliciousness.
Storing
Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating
You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot. For best results, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
Your Questions Answered
Because this recipe uses uncooked rice, it’s best to assemble it right before baking. The rice will begin to absorb the liquid and may result in an uneven texture if left to sit for too long before cooking.
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They may take slightly longer to cook, so we recommend checking with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
The most reliable way to check for doneness is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. The thickest part of the chicken breast should register at 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear.
This recipe is very versatile! You can add 1-2 cups of frozen vegetables like peas, corn, or broccoli. You can also add a cup of shredded cheese, like mozzarella or parmesan, on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place a serving in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist, and heat until warmed through.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Dump & Bake Casserole (The Easiest Dinner Ever!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, pour in the chicken broth and melted butter. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together directly in the dish.
- Sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the dish. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture in a single layer.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 35-45 minutes.
- Carefully remove the foil. The rice should be tender and the chicken should be cooked through (165°F or 74°C).
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Letting the casserole rest before serving allows the flavors to meld and the juices to redistribute.
Share This Amazing Recipe!
If you loved how easy and delicious this Garlic Butter Chicken Dump & Bake Casserole was, please consider sharing it with your friends and family! A share on Pinterest helps more people discover this amazing weeknight dinner solution. We’d also love to hear from you in the comments below!
