Brown Rice Chicken Bake
A hearty and flavorful baked dish combining brown rice, chicken, peas, and almonds with savory seasonings, perfect for a satisfying family meal or casual dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 c. cooked brown rice
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen green peas ⓘ
- 2 c. cubed cooked chicken breast
- 1/2 c. cholesterol free, reduced calorie mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/3 c. slivered almonds, toasted ⓘ
- 2 tsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried tarragon leaves ⓘ
- vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the cooked brown rice, frozen green peas, cubed cooked chicken breast, mayonnaise, toasted slivered almonds (if using), soy sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried tarragon leaves in a bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a 3-quart baking dish coated with vegetable cooking spray.
- Cover the dish and bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and slightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you want more vegetables, feel free to add diced carrots or bell peppers. To save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. For extra flavor, try mixing in some grated cheese or fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Brown Rice Chicken Bake alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For added crunch, top with additional toasted almonds just before serving. This dish also pairs beautifully with the Hearty Chicken 'N Rice Soup for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown Rice Chicken Bake contains roughly 72 calories, with 6g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1392mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, you can substitute white rice or quinoa if you prefer. Just be aware that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure the grains are fully cooked.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative, such as tamari, to keep the flavor while making it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve for a quick and easy meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).