Chicken-Rice Magnifique
A flavorful chicken and rice casserole with tender chicken breasts, aromatic herbs, and spiced broth, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the chicken breasts in butter after liberally seasoning them with salt and black and red pepper.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and chopped parsley until tender, stirring frequently.
- Add raw long grain rice and stir until well mixed.
- Pour in chicken broth, add salt, black and red pepper, and Tabasco, stirring to combine.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased oblong casserole dish.
- Top the rice mixture with the browned chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper if needed, and place bacon slices on top of the chicken.
- Cover and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Remove bacon slices before serving.
- Enjoy this delicious main dish!
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before browning. If you need a lighter option, substitute the butter with olive oil. You can also swap long grain rice for brown rice; just adjust the cooking time. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas to the rice mixture for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Vicki Lawrence'S Low-Fat Vegetable Soup for a comforting dinner. For extra flavor, drizzle with a little lemon juice or serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover; heat on medium power until warmed through, about 3-5 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Rice Magnifique contains roughly 558 calories, with 13g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (76% of the Daily Value), iron (66% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1595mg per serving (69% 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 bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked. Bone-in pieces may take longer to become tender, so check for doneness using a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth works well as a substitute, providing a similar depth of flavor. You can also use water with a bouillon cube dissolved in it, or make your own broth if you have time.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the rice mixture. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Adjust to your personal taste preference.
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).