Busy Day Chicken And Rice
Busy Day Chicken and Rice is a comforting baked dish combining tender chicken, flavorful rice, and savory onion soup seasoning. Perfect for weeknights, it offers hearty flavors with minimal prep, making it an ideal family meal that comes together quickly and easily in the oven.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease the bottom of a 13 x 9 1/2 x 2-inch pan.
- Cover the bottom evenly with uncooked rice.
- Arrange cut-up chicken pieces on top of the rice.
- Sprinkle dry onion soup over the chicken.
- Pour boiling water over the mixture.
- Cut butter into pieces and distribute evenly on top.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until rice and chicken are cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using boneless chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken. If you want a creamier texture, add a can of cream of mushroom soup. You can also substitute brown rice for white rice, but remember to adjust the cooking time as brown rice typically takes longer to cook. For added flavor, try incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Crusty bread or dinner rolls complement the flavors nicely. For a twist, pair it with a side of roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes like Cream Chicken On Egg Bread 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 chicken and rice in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Busy Day Chicken And Rice contains roughly 2337 calories, with 8g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 243g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1153mg per serving (50% 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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice; however, you will need to increase the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes about 45-50 minutes to cook, so adjust your baking time accordingly to ensure both the chicken and rice are fully cooked.
What can I use instead of onion soup mix?
If you don't have onion soup mix, you can make a homemade version using dehydrated onion flakes, garlic powder, salt, and dried herbs like thyme or parsley. This will give you a similar flavor profile without the packaged mix.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool the dish completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
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).