Chicken Baked In Rice
Juicy baked chicken served over seasoned rice with onion soup flavor, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings, offering savory, aromatic notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Combine rice, dry onion soup mix, salt, and water in a baking dish.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces over the rice mixture.
- Dot the chicken with margarine.
- Cover the baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour and 15 minutes until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before seasoning. If you prefer a different grain, quinoa or couscous can be substituted for rice. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or peas to the rice mixture for a more complete meal. This recipe is similar in spirit to American recipes that combine proteins and grains in one dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken baked in rice with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a light vinaigrette dressing. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside Hearty Cheese Dip as an appetizer. This dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken baked in rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Baked In Rice contains roughly 248 calories, with 9g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2533mg per serving (110% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires more cooking time and additional water. You may need to increase the baking time by about 15-20 minutes and check for doneness. Adjust the water to 3 cups instead of 2.5 cups for optimal results.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the dry onion soup mix with a gluten-free version or create your own by mixing onion powder, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Ensure that the rice is certified gluten-free, and you will have a delicious gluten-free meal.
What can I do if I don't have a baking dish?
If you don't have a baking dish, you can use a large cast-iron skillet or any oven-safe pot. Just ensure the chicken pieces are arranged in a single layer on top of the rice mixture for even cooking. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
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).