Best Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x13 pan.

Step 2

Stir rice, onion, 3 tablespoons melted butter, and flour together directly in the 9x13 pan until flour has no more visible white specks. Spread rice mixture out evenly on the bottom of the pan. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.

Step 3

Place chicken thighs on top of rice mixture. Brush remaining melted butter on top and sprinkle chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika (optional).

Step 4

Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.

Step 5

Remove foil and bake another 30 minutes until rice and chicken are cooked through and the chicken skin crisps up. For crispier skins, place under the broiler setting for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve hot.