Lunch & Dinner

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Casserole Recipe – Sweet Mama’s Kitchen

Name: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Casserole Recipe – Sweet Mama’s Kitchen
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 12 min
Total time: 1 h 22 min
Yield: 5
Ingredients: 4 cups of homemade chicken stock; 1 1/2 cups of jasmine rice, thoroughly rinsed; 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or regular paprika; A pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons of olive oil, plus extra for brushing the chicken; 1 teaspoon of lemon zest; 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves; 5 strips of bacon, diced into small bits; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 5 skinless, boneless chicken thighs; 1 1/2 tablespoons of all-purpose seasoning blend

Susan Roberts January 29, 2025

Servings: 5 Total Time: 1 hr 22 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before diving into the delicious world of boneless skinless chicken thigh casserole, let’s consider what you can accompany this dish with. Think about a light salad, maybe a crisp arugula with lemon vinaigrette. Or, how about some roasted vegetables?

Carrots, zucchini, or even Brussels sprouts cooked until tender can complement the richness of the casserole beautifully. And, if you want to bring a bit of a traditional Italian feel, a side of garlic bread wouldn’t go amiss.

There’s nothing like a loaf of freshly baked bread, just begging to soak up the savory juices.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Casserole Recipe

What is Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Casserole?

At its core, boneless skinless chicken thigh casserole is a baked dish that combines tender chicken thighs with flavorful rice and stock, all layered with various vegetables and seasonings to heighten taste and texture.

You can let your creativity shine here. While this dish is simple, the flavor can be as rich as you choose. Whether you prefer smoky paprika or fresh herbs, each version brings something new to the table.

What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Casseroles?

Many casseroles often fall short in the flavor department, but this recipe elevates it! The inclusion of smoky bacon, fresh thyme, and smoked paprika gives it an edge that you won’t easily find in typical casserole recipes.

The fragrant blend of seasonings complements the chicken wonderfully. It’s not just about throwing the ingredients together; this recipe develops depth and layers of taste that keep you coming back for seconds.

How Does It Taste Like?

Imagine a warm, welcoming plate filled with savory chicken that practically melts in your mouth. The rice absorbs the delicious chicken broth, becoming infused with flavors. The herbs and spices create a symphony of taste that dances on your palate.

The crispy bits of bacon add a nice crunch, while the tender vegetables provide freshness. This is a dish that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are.

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish:

Before we get to cooking, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 cups of homemade chicken stock
1 ½ cups of jasmine rice, thoroughly rinsed
1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or regular paprika
A pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter), plus extra for brushing the chicken
1 teaspoon of lemon zest
1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves
5 strips of bacon, diced into small bits
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
5 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1 ½ tablespoons of all-purpose seasoning blend

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Casserole Copycat Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that our ingredients are ready, let’s dive into the cooking process.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven is essential for a great bake. While it warms up, you can start preparing the other components.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced bacon. Allow it to cook until crispy. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the grease in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 4 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant. This will build a rich base for your casserole.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken Thighs

Increase the heat slightly and add olive oil (or butter). Brush the chicken thighs with some of the remaining grease, and season them with smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Brown each thigh for about 3-4 minutes per side. This step is important as it seals in the flavors.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients in a Casserole Dish

In a large casserole dish, add the rinsed jasmine rice. Pour in the chicken stock, lemon zest, and fresh thyme leaves. Mix the ingredients until evenly combined. Then, place the browned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture.

Step 6: Add Bacon and Seasonings

Sprinkle the crispy bacon bits over the chicken thighs. Finally, add a dash of all-purpose seasoning blend for an extra kick. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice has absorbed the stock.

Step 8: Uncover and Serve

For the last 10 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the chicken to brown slightly. Once done, let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle.

Tips & Tricks On Making Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Casserole

Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can make a huge difference. If you can, go for fresh thyme over dried.
Don’t Skimp on the Stock: Homemade stock adds incredible flavor. If using store-bought, opt for low-sodium varieties to control saltiness.
Mix Up the Veggies: Consider adding spinach, mushrooms, or carrots! They add color and nutrients.
Cover Tightly: Ensure the casserole is covered tightly for even cooking. This traps steam and keeps everything moist.
Let It Rest: Letting the casserole rest after cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully.

How Do I Store This Dish?

Once the casserole is cooled, you can store it in an airtight container. It lasts up to three days in the refrigerator. If you’d like to keep it longer, this dish freezes well, too.

Just make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing in a sealed container. It can last up to three months.

What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Casserole?

If you find yourself missing an ingredient or wanting to mix it up, here are some substitutes:

Chicken Breast: If you prefer leaner meat, skinless chicken breasts can be used. Just be mindful they may dry out without proper cooking time.
Quinoa: Want a health twist? Use quinoa instead of rice. Just ensure to adjust the liquid as quinoa absorbs less.
Any kind of Stock: You can swap chicken stock for vegetable stock for a vegetarian-friendly option. The flavor will still be incredible.
Different Rice Varieties: Feel free to experiment with brown rice or even wild rice, but remember cooking times may change!
Seasoning Variations: Have some fun! Play with spices like cumin or rosemary to make it your own.

Best Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Casserole Recipe

Conclusion

In a world of complicated recipes and lengthy cooking processes, boneless skinless chicken thigh casserole stands out as a beacon of simplicity and flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is bound to impress.

So why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this culinary adventure. The kitchen awaits, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Casserole Recipe – Sweet Mama’s Kitchen

Author: Susan Roberts Cuisine: American Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 1.2 hr Total Time 1 hr 22 mins

Servings: 5 Calories: 574 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

There's something comforting about casseroles. They remind us of family gatherings, potlucks, and simple home-cooked meals.

The ease of preparing a dish that fills your home with aromas and ultimately brings everyone to the table feels like a win-win. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for boneless skinless chicken thigh casserole.

Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful than their leaner counterparts. When combined with vegetables, herbs, and spices, they create a dish that’s hearty and satisfying.

As someone who’s spent years cooking for my family and friends, I can say without hesitation that this recipe is a favorite. It's simple yet packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a special gathering.