Chicken Rice Italia
A flavorful Italian-inspired baked chicken and rice dish featuring zucchini, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove excess fat from the chicken; season with salt and oregano.
- Remove and set aside 1/4 cup of tomato sauce.
- Combine remaining tomato sauce, rice, zucchini, water, and salt in a 12 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish; stir well.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken over the rice mixture.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from the oven and spoon the reserved tomato sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding garlic or basil to the chicken and rice mixture. If you don't have Uncle Ben's rice, any long-grain rice will work, but adjust the liquid accordingly. You can also substitute zucchini with bell peppers or spinach. For a twist, try adding olives or capers for a Mediterranean flair, similar to Chicken Breast(Saltim Bocca).
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Rice Italia with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Zouppa Firenze(Soup Florence) for a comforting dinner. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Rice Italia contains roughly 9 calories, with 1g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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 different types of chicken?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of broiler-fryer chicken. Adjust the cooking time based on the cut; dark meat generally takes longer to cook. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What if I don't have fresh oregano?
Dried oregano is a suitable substitute; use about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe. If you have Italian seasoning on hand, that can also work well. Adjust the seasoning to taste, as dried herbs can be more potent than fresh.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to cook, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's thoroughly heated through.
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).