Chicken Rice Italian
A hearty Italian-inspired baked chicken and rice dish featuring tender chicken, savory tomato sauce, zucchini, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Remove excess fat from chicken pieces.
- Season chicken with salt and oregano.
- Combine remaining tomato sauce, rice, zucchini, water, and salt in a 12 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Stir well to mix ingredients.
- Arrange seasoned chicken over the rice and vegetable mixture.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven and spoon reserved tomato sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle with cheese.
- Return to oven for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding a splash of white wine to the rice mixture before baking. If you don't have zucchini, bell peppers or spinach can be great substitutes. Make sure to regularly check the chicken's internal temperature, aiming for 165°F for safety. To enhance the dish, top it with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Rice Italian dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh Pesto Salad for a complete meal. A light green salad with vinaigrette pairs nicely, adding a refreshing contrast. For a heartier approach, consider serving alongside Italian Torta(A-La-Venito) or a slice of Eggplant Parmesan(Yields 6 Servings).
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes on high.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Rice Italian contains roughly 804 calories, with 35g protein, 188g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (348% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 816mg per serving (35% 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 substitute brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and increase the liquid. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so consider adding an additional 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of chicken?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try substituting the chicken with chickpeas or a mix of your favorite vegetables. For a different protein, cubed tofu or cooked sausage can also work well in this recipe.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced. If the chicken is still pink, continue baking until fully cooked.
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).