Chicken Breasts And Rice
A comfort food classic featuring tender chicken breasts baked with seasoned rice and a flavorful mix of mushroom, celery, and pimento. Topped with Parmesan cheese, this dish offers hearty, savory flavors perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, combining creamy soups and wholesome ingredients in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup rice ⓘ
- 1 can celery soup
- 1 small jar pimento, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 8 to 12 chicken breast halves ⓘ
- Grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 small can whole mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can water chestnuts, drained and sliced ⓘ
- Pimento strips ⓘ
Instructions
- Sprinkle the rice evenly into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Mix together the celery soup, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, drained pimento, chopped onion, whole mushrooms, chopped green pepper, drained sliced water chestnuts, and pimento strips.
- Pour one-third of the mixture over the rice in the pan.
- Arrange the chicken breasts over the soup mixture.
- Pour the remaining soup mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of garlic and lemon juice before baking. If you don't have celery soup, you can substitute it with a mix of cream of mushroom soup and vegetable broth for a similar taste. Adjust the amount of rice based on your preference for a thicker or thinner dish. For a twist, add some herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread for a comforting touch. For a delightful variation, explore other chicken recipes that incorporate different ingredients or flavors, like Congealed Tuna Salad or Myra'S Squash Casserole, to round out your dinner menu.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, ensuring they are heated evenly. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Breasts And Rice contains roughly 408 calories, with 11g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 913mg per serving (40% 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 be aware that it will require a longer cooking time. Adjust the baking time accordingly, adding at least 30 minutes, and ensure you check for doneness before serving.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
To make it healthier, consider using skinless chicken breasts and low-sodium soups. You can also add more vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, to increase the nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.
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).