This month’s cooking club recipe is the ultimate comfort meal. Our Chicken and Rice casserole is a flavorful one-pot meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
What is the Fit Foodie Cooking Club?
The Fit Foodie Cooking Club is a monthly cooking challenge designed to get you into the kitchen and cook from scratch. Each month our community makes the same featured recipe so we can celebrate real food together, share photos, and encourage each other to try something new.
Cooking together — even virtually — is a simple way to connect, learn practical skills, and enjoy home-cooked comfort food without fuss. Our November pick highlights hearty flavors, easy prep, and a one-pot method that’s ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
November 2021 – The Details
Please read these details carefully so your entry counts. If you have questions, leave them in the comments on the recipe post.
Recipe of the Month
November’s featured recipe is our Chicken and Rice. This casserole-style, one-pot dish combines tender chicken thighs, perfectly seasoned rice, and familiar vegetables for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal the whole family will enjoy.
Since we first shared this chicken and rice recipe, readers have loved the seared chicken, the savory seasonings, and how the ingredients meld together in a single pot. It’s an easy, satisfying option whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week.
Why you’ll love it
- One-pot convenience: Everything cooks in a single Dutch oven—sear the chicken, sauté the aromatics, cook the rice in the same pot, then bake. Fewer dishes and layered flavor.
- Classic comfort flavors: The recipe uses familiar vegetables and a homemade chicken seasoning blend to create warm, home-cooked taste that appeals to kids and adults alike.
- Great for meal prep: This dish stores and reheats well, making it a practical choice for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide the best flavor and crisp skin for this one-pot casserole.
Homemade Chicken Seasoning: A blend of garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, dried thyme, brown sugar, and other spices lifts the dish. We recommend making and storing the seasoning for consistent flavor without additives.
Long Grain White Rice: Basmati or jasmine rice works well here. This recipe hasn’t been tested with brown rice or instant rice, so stick with long-grain white varieties for best results.
Vegetables: Carrots, onion, mushrooms, and peas are used in the original version. Feel free to swap in your favorites or what’s in your fridge.
Broth: Chicken broth is used to cook the rice and meld flavors. Concentrated stock pastes or boxed broth both work—choose what you prefer.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Sear the Chicken First
Searing the thighs before adding liquids develops deep flavor and crisps the skin. Take the extra few minutes to brown the chicken well on both sides.
Make Your Own Seasoning
If possible, mix your own chicken seasoning. Homemade blends avoid unnecessary additives and let you control the salt and heat levels. Keep a jar on hand for quick, reliable seasoning across other recipes.
Secret Ingredient
A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, slightly tangy depth to the casserole. If you don’t have it, a little balsamic or apple cider vinegar can provide a similar brightness.
Adjust the Heat
To give the dish a gentle kick, add 1–2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes to your spice mix. Start small and adjust to taste.
How to Enter the Cooking Club Challenge
Once you’ve made the recipe, submit your entry to join the challenge and be eligible to win.
- Visit the Chicken and Rice recipe post.
- Make the recipe and photograph your finished dish.
- Leave a comment on the recipe post that includes your photo and a brief note about how it went. A star rating is welcome but not required. Be sure to include your name and email in the comment form so we can contact winners.
Join the Fit Foodie Cooking Club on Facebook
Join our free Fit Foodie Facebook group to share photos, ask questions, and connect with other home cooks. The group is a welcoming space to celebrate cooking, swap tips, and find inspiration for future challenges.
Important Dates
Monday, November 8, 2021 – First day to submit an entry.
Tuesday, November 30, 2021 – Last day to submit your photo and comment.
Wednesday, December 1, 2021 – Winners will be randomly selected and announced in the blog post and on social media.
The Prize
Two participants will each win a $100 Target gift card. Winners are chosen at random from qualifying comments received between November 8 and November 30, 2021.
Winners will be announced on the last Wednesday of the month (December 1) via the blog post and on social media.
Charity of the Month
Each month we select a charity to support. This November we’re supporting Feeding America to help address food insecurity during a busy season of gatherings and need. Feeding America works with a nationwide network of food banks to distribute nourishing food and provide critical programs like school-based pantries and disaster relief.
As part of this month’s effort, we’ll be doubling the match of our giveaway winners to donate a total of $400 to Feeding America. If you’d like to join us in supporting the cause, consider donating directly to Feeding America.
Donate
We appreciate any support you can offer to our monthly charity. Donations help local food banks and community programs reach families in need.
If you’re able, please consider donating directly to Feeding America or supporting your local food bank.