Chicken Breasts With Rice
Creamy chicken and rice bake with tender breasts, velvety sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put rice and water in a baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix together cream of celery, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and minced onion to taste.
- Spread the mixture over the rice and water in the baking dish.
- Top with chicken breasts, placing a thin slice of Velveeta cheese under each breast.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of chicken broth to the rice before baking. If you don’t have Velveeta, any melty cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella can work. Adjust the spices based on your preference; adding a dash of paprika can add a nice flavor twist. If you prefer fresh ingredients, substitute minced onion with chopped green onions.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You might also serve it alongside a zesty side like roasted broccoli or a simple cucumber salad to brighten the plate. For a comforting twist, try serving with mashed potatoes or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and rice in a baking dish, sprinkle a little water over the top, and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through to ensure the chicken remains moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Breasts With Rice contains roughly 497 calories, with 28g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1154mg per serving (50% 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 converted rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires more water and a longer baking time, around 1.5 hours. Make sure to check the rice for doneness before serving to ensure it's fully cooked.
What can I substitute for cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version by blending cooked celery, cream, and a bit of broth. This will maintain the creamy consistency while altering the flavor slightly.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers can enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition. Simply layer them with the rice before adding the cream mixture or place them on top of the chicken for added color and texture.
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).