Comforting Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb chicken breast
• 3 cup brown rice
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 shallot
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp fresh chives
• 1 carrot
• 2 celery ribs
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 zucchini
• 1.5 cup water
• 1 tbsp chicken base
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
• 1 tbsp thyme
• 0.25 cup parsley
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp sage
• 0.5 tsp dried basil

Instructions

1. 1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté shallot, carrot, celery, green bell pepper, and courgette for 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. 2Add diced chicken to the skillet, cooking until lightly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, coarsely ground pepper, dried sage, and dried basil.
3. 3Dissolve chicken base in water to create a broth. Add cooked brown rice, fresh chives, fresh rosemary, thyme, and the prepared broth to the skillet. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
4. 4Cover the skillet or transfer mixture to a 9x13 inch casserole dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the casserole is heated through.
5. 5Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.