Chicken Rice Dinner
A flavorful chicken and rice bake featuring tender chicken thighs, savory mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 10 chicken thighs (about 3 lb.) ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 cup uncooked long grain rice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (4 oz.) mushroom stems and pieces, undrained ⓘ
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 2 cups boiling water ⓘ
- minced fresh parsley (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, and pepper; coat chicken pieces.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the chicken in oil.
- Place rice in an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle with chopped onion and minced garlic; top with undrained mushroom stems and pieces.
- Dissolve chicken bouillon cubes in boiling water; pour over all ingredients.
- Place the browned chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 1 hour or until chicken juices run clear and rice is tender.
- Sprinkle with minced fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier chicken skin, try browning the chicken in a cast-iron skillet. You can substitute the long grain rice with brown rice for a healthier option, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. To add more flavor, consider using chicken broth instead of water when dissolving the bouillon cubes. This dish is reminiscent of American recipes like Chicken Surprise Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Rice Dinner pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For added flavor, serve with a side of garlic bread or a light vinaigrette dressing. You can also consider a fruit salad for dessert to complement the savory dish, making it a delightful family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can also add a splash of water to the rice to prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Rice Dinner contains roughly 2332 calories, with 15g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 217g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1024mg per serving (45% 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 boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used for this recipe. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs, so check for doneness around the 40-minute mark. Adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
What can I substitute for the mushrooms?
If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can omit them entirely or replace them with diced bell peppers or zucchini for added texture. These substitutes will still complement the dish well without overwhelming the other flavors.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this Chicken Rice Dinner in advance. Assemble the ingredients in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and add an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
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).