Chicken-Rice Twosome
A comforting chicken and rice dish featuring tender chicken breasts, flavorful mushrooms, and crisp celery, all baked together in a savory broth. Perfect for a hearty yet simple meal, it combines aromatic seasonings with tender grains, making it a satisfying choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons margarine ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups hot water ⓘ
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sherry ⓘ
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/2 oz.) jar sliced mushrooms, drained
- 2 small ribs celery, chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Coat the chicken breasts with flour, onion powder, paprika, and pepper.
- In a skillet, brown the chicken in hot margarine until golden.
- In a small saucepan, heat the hot water and dissolve the chicken bouillon cubes.
- Stir in the sherry (if using).
- In the bottom of a 1 1/2-quart casserole, combine the water mixture, rice, drained mushrooms, chopped celery, and chopped green onions.
- Place the browned chicken on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and the chicken is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier chicken, consider pan-searing it longer before adding it to the casserole. Substitute with skinless thighs if preferred, as they remain moist during baking. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon for a vegetarian option. If you want to enhance the flavor, add minced garlic or a splash of soy sauce to the rice mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a light white wine or sparkling water. For a comforting touch, consider serving it alongside a warm bread roll or some garlic bread. This recipe is a great alternative to classic American recipes like the Chicken And Stuffing Scallop.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. For quicker reheating, you can use the microwave, covering the dish to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Rice Twosome contains roughly 893 calories, with 30g protein, 156g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (170% of the Daily Value), iron (105% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (104% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 981mg per serving (43% 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 white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the hot water to about 1 3/4 cups and increase the baking time to ensure the rice cooks thoroughly.
What can I use instead of sherry?
If you prefer not to use sherry, you can substitute it with white wine or omit it entirely. For a non-alcoholic option, consider using a splash of apple cider vinegar mixed with water for a bit of acidity.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots to enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition. Just ensure that the additional vegetables are chopped small enough to cook through during baking.
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).