Chicken Rice 'N Easy
A comforting baked chicken and rice dish with mushroom cream sauce, featuring tender chicken breasts, flavorful thyme, and a crispy bread crumb topping, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chicken stock or water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups quick cooking rice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 to 2 chicken breasts, split ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz) can sliced mushrooms, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon fine bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons melted butter ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a 7 x 11 x 2-inch greased glass baking pan, combine white wine, chicken stock or water, salt, and rice.
- Place the chicken breasts over the rice mixture.
- Combine sliced mushrooms with cream of mushroom soup. Spread this mixture over the chicken.
- Sprinkle thyme, bread crumbs, and melted butter over the top.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake about 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider substituting the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade mushroom sauce or a low-fat version. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian twist. If you're short on time, precooked chicken can be used to reduce baking time. Additionally, feel free to add vegetables like peas or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls. For a more complete dinner, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup, like Broccoli Onion Soup, to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Rice 'N Easy contains roughly 235 calories, with 13g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (118% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), and iron (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1989mg per serving (86% 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 quick cooking rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and additional liquid. Adjust the baking time accordingly; brown rice typically needs about 1.5 to 2 times the liquid and a longer baking duration to become tender.
What can I substitute for the white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken stock or water. Alternatively, a splash of white grape juice or apple cider vinegar diluted with water can mimic the acidity and flavor of wine without the alcohol.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes and then bake as directed. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
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).