Tasty Baked Chicken and Rice

Baked chicken and rice is a classic dish that brings comfort and warmth to the dinner table. This delicious meal combines tender chicken breasts with fluffy rice and vibrant vegetables, all baked together to create an easy, one-dish wonder. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner or planning for meal prep, this recipe is sure to please. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The fusion of flavors makes every bite delightful, and the warm aroma wafting through your home will have everyone gathering around the table.

Why make this recipe

Making Tasty Baked Chicken and Rice simplifies meal preparation while providing a wholesome dish that everyone will enjoy. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have a lot of time to cook. It uses basic ingredients you might already have in your pantry, making it both economical and easy to put together. Furthermore, the all-in-one nature of this dish means minimal cleanup, which is always a bonus after a long day. The comforting blend of chicken, rice, and mixed vegetables delivers both nutrition and flavor, making it a family favorite. It’s a perfect opportunity to bring everyone together for a satisfying meal without the hassle.

How to make Tasty Baked Chicken and Rice

Creating this mouthwatering dish is straightforward, making it accessible to cooks of all levels. Follow the steps below, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.

Ingredients:

To prepare Tasty Baked Chicken and Rice, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups rice
• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

These ingredients come together to create a delightful dish full of texture and flavor. The rice absorbs the chicken broth, creating a creamy consistency while the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that both the chicken and rice cook evenly.

2. In a baking dish, combine rice, chopped onion, and frozen peas and carrots. This combination serves as the base for the dish and infuses it with flavor.

3. In a separate bowl, mix chicken broth with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then pour over the rice mixture. This flavorful liquid will help the rice cook perfectly.

4. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture and drizzle with olive oil. The olive oil adds richness and helps the chicken develop a beautiful golden color.

5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the rice to soak up the broth for maximum flavor.

6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it has reached 165°F (75°C).

7. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving and enjoy your comfort meal! This step helps to separate the grains of rice, making for a more pleasant texture.

Time Breakdown

The total time for making Tasty Baked Chicken and Rice is about 1 hour. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 45 minutes

This efficient time usage makes it easy to fit into a busy schedule while still serving a wholesome meal.

How to serve Tasty Baked Chicken and Rice

Tasty Baked Chicken and Rice is best served hot from the oven. You can place individual portions in bowls or serve it family-style directly from the baking dish. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley for an added touch of color and freshness. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How to store Tasty Baked Chicken and Rice

If you have leftovers, storing them is easy. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions. Just be sure to label the containers with the date so you can enjoy your meal later!

Tips to make Tasty Baked Chicken and Rice

To elevate this dish, consider the following tips:

• Ensure you use good-quality chicken broth for a richer flavor.
• Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or corn based on your preferences.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste; try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth.

Variation

Tasty Baked Chicken and Rice is quite versatile. You can create variations by using different proteins, such as thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken breasts. You can also substitute the rice for quinoa or use brown rice for a healthier option. For those who prefer a vegetarian dish, simply use vegetable broth and add more vegetables while omitting the chicken.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Each serving of Tasty Baked Chicken and Rice provides a nutritious meal filled with protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins. While exact nutritional information can vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used, an average serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 2g

FAQs

1. Can I use uncooked rice in this recipe?
   Yes! The rice cooks in the oven with the broth, absorbing all the flavors while it bakes.

2. Can I make Tasty Baked Chicken and Rice in advance?
   Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and then bake it when you’re ready to eat.

3. What can I serve with this dish?
   This meal pairs nicely with a side salad or steamed vegetables, offering a balanced plate with a variety of textures and flavors.

In conclusion, Tasty Baked Chicken and Rice is a wonderful addition to your recipe collection. This comforting dish is easy to prepare, and it’s delicious enough to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy the process of creating this hearty meal that is sure to become a staple in your household.

Baked Chicken and Rice

A classic dish combining tender chicken breasts, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables, baked to perfection for a comforting and simple meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups rice Use your preferred type of rice
• 4 pieces chicken breasts Boneless and skinless required
• 1 piece onion, chopped For flavor enhancement
• 2 cups chicken broth Use good-quality for richer flavor
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots Mix of vegetables for added nutrition

Seasonings and Additions

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil To drizzle over chicken

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a baking dish, combine rice, chopped onion, and frozen peas and carrots.
• In a separate bowl, mix chicken broth with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then pour over the rice mixture.
• Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture and drizzle with olive oil.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
• Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Notes

To elevate flavors, consider adding bell peppers or other vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Keyword Baked Chicken, Chicken and Rice, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, One Dish Meal