Chicken Rice Feta Casserole

If you’re looking for a recipe that brings together comfort and flavor in one irresistible dish, then this Chicken Rice Feta Casserole is for you. It’s the kind of recipe that fills the house with the smell of home cooking, brings everyone to the table, and disappears almost as quickly as it’s served. Think of tender chicken breast, fluffy rice, creamy feta, sweet bell peppers, and a golden breadcrumb topping—all baked together for the perfect family dinner.

This dish is one of my absolute favorites for weeknights when I want something wholesome but not complicated. It also doubles beautifully as a dish for casual entertaining. Set it on the table with a fresh salad and some crusty bread, and you’ll have a meal that feels rustic, hearty, and a little bit Mediterranean all at once.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken breast, sliced into strips
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add bell pepper and spinach, cooking until softened.
  3. Combine the base: In a large mixing bowl, stir together cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, feta cheese, half the mozzarella, and chicken broth. Mix well.
  4. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Nestle the cooked chicken strips on top, pressing lightly into the rice mixture.
  5. Add cheese & topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, then scatter over the casserole.
  6. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Why This Recipe Works

This casserole hits all the right notes: protein-packed chicken, carb-comforting rice, vegetables for color and nutrients, and two cheeses for richness and tang. The feta balances the creaminess with its salty, sharp edge, while mozzarella gives you that dreamy cheese pull. The buttered breadcrumbs? That’s just the crunchy crown every casserole deserves.

Chicken Rice Feta Casserole

A hearty Mediterranean-inspired casserole with chicken, rice, feta cheese, and vegetables, topped with golden breadcrumbs and baked to perfection.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Mediterranean
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked rice white or brown
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb chicken breast sliced into strips
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 3 cups fresh spinach or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained
  • 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs preferably panko
  • 2 tbsp butter melted
  • 2 tbsp parsley fresh, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking dish
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in skillet. Season chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
  2. Sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, and spinach in same pan until softened.
  3. Mix cooked rice, vegetables, feta, half the mozzarella, and broth in a large bowl.
  4. Spread mixture into greased baking dish. Arrange chicken strips on top.
  5. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and buttered breadcrumbs on top.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  7. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Great for meal prep. Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months and bake when needed.

Tips & Variations

  • Make it spicier: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika.
  • Switch the grain: Use quinoa or farro instead of rice.
  • Add more veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted eggplant all work beautifully.
  • Meal prep friendly: Bake, cool, then portion into containers for easy weekday lunches.

Storing & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes for best texture.
  • Freeze portions (before baking) for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

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