Chicken Atop Rice
Tender chicken breasts rest atop flavorful rice with mushrooms, celery, and a creamy sauce, baked to perfection—ideal for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a 13 x 9-inch pan, combine uncooked rice, drained mushrooms, chopped celery, chopped onion, condensed cream of chicken soup, and water.
- Arrange chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle the chicken with salt.
- Brush or drizzle the melted margarine over the chicken.
- Sprinkle with paprika and poultry seasoning.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour or until the chicken is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in your favorite seasoning before cooking. You can substitute the regular rice with brown rice for a healthier option, but adjust the water and cooking time accordingly. If you prefer mushrooms, use fresh ones instead of canned for a more robust flavor. For a twist, try adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken atop rice with a side of steamed vegetables, such as green beans or broccoli, for a balanced meal. A fresh garden salad also pairs well to add crunch and freshness. Consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce, making it a comforting dish perfect for family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and rice mixture in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat on medium power until warmed through, about 3-5 minutes. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Atop Rice contains roughly 654 calories, with 20g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (48% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1683mg per serving (73% 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 regular rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for regular rice, but you'll need to increase the cooking time and water amount. Brown rice typically requires about 1 3/4 cups of water and may take 1.5 to 2 hours to cook, so keep an eye on it to ensure everything is tender.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can make a homemade substitute by mixing equal parts of chicken broth and milk with a tablespoon of flour for thickening. Alternatively, you could use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can enhance this dish by adding frozen peas, diced carrots, or bell peppers to the rice mixture before baking. This not only adds color but also boosts the nutritional value, making it a heartier 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).