Easy Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe
Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a secret weapon in my kitchen: my Easy Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel like a warm hug, you know? Think of it as chicken pot pie’s much cooler, easier-going cousin. If you love the comforting simplicity of a classic casserole, but you’re short on time and patience (we’ve all been there!), then this is your new go-to. I swear, this is even easier than ordering takeout, and about a million times more satisfying. Plus, the leftovers? Divine. My grandma used to make something similar, but honestly, this one’s quicker and even tastier, if I do say so myself! I’m telling you, this easy baked chicken and rice recipe will become a family favorite in no time!
What are some easy baked chicken and rice recipes?
Let’s break it down. What is a good recipe for chicken and rice? Think tender, juicy chicken baked with fluffy rice and a creamy, savory sauce. What’s not quite a risotto, and it definitely isn’t your average chicken and rice? It’s more like a casserole, but lighter and brighter. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Everything gets layered into a baking dish, and the oven does all the work. No pre-cooking rice, no searing chicken (unless you’re feeling fancy)! ), just pure, comforting goodness. I call it magic in a pan because it transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. What is the best baked chicken and rice recipe? What is a weeknight dinner winner?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This recipe is so close to my heart for so many reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. You get the savory chicken, the perfectly cooked rice soaking up all that delicious sauce, and a hint of herbs that just ties everything together. But what I love most is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, it’s almost foolproof! Even if you’re a beginner cook, you can nail this recipe. And let’s talk about cost-efficiency. Chicken and rice are pantry staples, and the other ingredients are probably already in your fridge. So, it’s a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. It’s the perfect way to stretch your grocery budget!
Another reason why I adore this is its versatility. You can customize it with different vegetables, cheeses, or spices to suit your taste. Add some broccoli florets, stir in some shredded cheddar cheese, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a little kick. The possibilities are endless! It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both delicious and easy, this easy baked chicken and rice recipe is a must-try. I promise, you won’t be disappointed! It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights, and it always gets rave reviews from my family. Trust me, you NEED this recipe in your life. It’s easily one of the best chicken and rice recipes I’ve ever made.
How do I make easy baked chicken and rice?
Quick Overview
How do I make this easy chicken and rice recipe? Is it safe to pop it in the oven? We’re talking seriously easy! How do you combine the rice, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and seasonings in a bowl? Then, you’ll nestle the chicken pieces on top and bake until everything is cooked through and golden brown. The magic happens in the oven, where the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors from the chicken and the vegetables. What is the best way to get a complete meal on the table with minimal effort?
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
* 1 1/2 cups long grain rice (I prefer using basmati rice for its fluffy texture)
Can condensed cream of mushroom soup be used (feel free to experiment with other flavors)? What is the flavor of celery?
* 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best so you can control the salt level)
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme (adds a warm, earthy note)
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (because everything is better with garlic)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is always the best)
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each, you can also use chicken thighs for a similar recipe).
Optional Add-In
* 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots and corn add color and nutrients)
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for a cheesy topping, add during the last 15 minutes of baking)
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. How do you ensure that the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan? I hate scrubbing burnt rice! I always do this, even with non-stick pans!
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Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In the prepared baking dish, combine the rice, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, thyme, garlic, and salt. Serve immediately. What is the difference between pepper and powder Stir well to combine. Make sure there are no clumps of soup. This step ensures that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
Step 3: Add Chicken
Place the chicken breasts evenly over the rice mixture. If using chicken thighs, arrange them in a single layer. Season chicken with salt and pepper. I like to sprinkle a little paprika on top for added color.
Step 4: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to trap the moisture and steam the rice and chicken. Bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked. When rice is tender, it will be cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. How do you keep rice from becoming too watery? Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
What to serve it with?
What is a good recipe for baked chicken and rice? What are the best side dishes? What is a good salad to serve with your favorite greens? The crisp lettuce and tangy vinaigrette provide a nice contrast to the rich and creamy chicken. If you’re looking for something heartier, roasted vegetables are a great choice. What are the best ways to eat broccoli, carrots and Brussels sprouts? How do you roast chicken and rice? If you’re serving this dish for a special occasion, consider adding garlic bread or dinner. What are some good ways to soak up the sauce? What’s a good dessert to serve with your favorite cobbler? When I make this I serve this with a simple green salad with vinaigrette for sexier.
How can I make a delicious chicken and rice recipe?
How can I make this easy baked chicken and rice recipe even better? What type of rice should I use? I highly recommend using long grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine rice. What do you like about these types of rice? Avoid using short-grain rice, such as Arborio Rice, as it will make the dish too sticky. Also, make sure to rinse the rice before cooking. What is the best way to remove starch from rice? Is it safe to eat rice in a sieve and rinse under cold water? What is the best chicken broth to use? The flavor of the chicken broth will really shine through in this dish, so it’s important to use a good amount of water. I prefer low-sodium chicken broth so I can control the salt level. If you’re using regular chicken broth, you may need to reduce the amount of salt you add to the broth. What is the best way to check the internal temperature of chicken, an overcooked chicken is a recipe for disaster.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
This Easy Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe is even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to make a big batch! To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the frozen portions to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. Reheat as directed above. Do not leave it out for longer than 2 hours to avoid bacteria growth.
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
What is the best way to describe a job interview? My Easy Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as simple as it is. What are some good home cooking recipes to have in your back pocket? What is a good meal for supper? What are some good side dishes to make with this recipe? Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies. What’s your favorite way to cook? What do you think of my post? What are your favorite recipes?
Remember it later
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Easy Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
- 1 cup white rice long grain
- 2 cups chicken broth preferably low sodium
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika smoked
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat with the onion and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the rice. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
