Chicken And Rice Dinner
A comforting one-pan chicken and rice bake featuring tender chicken pieces, fluffy long grain rice, and savory seasonings, all baked together for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish offers rich flavors and a hearty texture that appeals to families and casual diners alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dredge chicken pieces in flour.
- In a skillet, heat oil and brown the chicken on all sides.
- Combine rice, poultry, seasonings, salt, pepper, milk, and water in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Top with browned chicken pieces.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 55 minutes or until rice and chicken are tender.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier chicken, consider using a cast-iron skillet for browning. You can substitute the long grain rice with jasmine or basmati for a different flavor. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a bit more milk. For a twist, mix in some frozen mixed vegetables before baking for added nutrition, similar to dishes like Rice And Chicken Broccoli Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a simple side salad or steamed green beans for a balanced meal. A light vinaigrette pairs nicely with the richness of the chicken. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside garlic bread. This comforting meal is also excellent with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and pairs beautifully with Chicken And Broccoli Pie for a complete dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to the dish and cover it to prevent drying out. Heat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Rice Dinner contains roughly 459 calories, with 10g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 578mg per serving (25% 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 substitute brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and increase the liquid. Brown rice typically requires about 1.5 times the water and longer cooking time, so check the package instructions for best results.
What can I use instead of poultry seasoning?
If you don't have poultry seasoning, you can create a substitute using equal parts of sage, thyme, and rosemary. Alternatively, Italian seasoning can work in a pinch, adding a different but pleasant flavor to the dish.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix. You can also add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the milk mixture before baking for a spicy kick.
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).