Chicken And Rice Dressing
A flavorful baked chicken and rice dish with savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and bright lemon, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine melted margarine and lemon juice.
- Brush the chicken pieces with the margarine and lemon mixture, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine rice, chicken broth, and water; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes, then set aside.
- Cook sausage, chopped onion, and chopped celery in a skillet until the sausage is done.
- Combine the cooked rice with the sausage mixture.
- Stir well to combine.
- Spoon the rice and sausage mixture around the partially baked chicken.
- Bake for an additional 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the margarine and lemon juice mixture for a couple of hours before baking. You can substitute the bulk pork sausage with turkey sausage or omit it for a lighter version. If you prefer, use brown rice instead of instant rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it's fully cooked.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken And Rice Dressing is great served with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal. A light salad also pairs well, making for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier option, consider serving with mashed potatoes or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, ensuring the chicken reaches 165°F.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Rice Dressing contains roughly 262 calories, with 5g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1816mg per serving (79% 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 a different type of rice for this recipe?
Yes, while instant rice is convenient, you can use long-grain white or brown rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as brown rice will require longer to cook.
What if I don't have chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth or even water with a bit of added seasoning for flavor. This will still yield a delicious result for your Chicken And Rice Dressing.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
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).