Easy Baked Chicken And Rice
Easy Baked Chicken and Rice offers a comforting and hearty meal with tender chicken pieces baked over flavorful rice and creamy soups. Perfect for family dinners, it combines savory herbs and simple ingredients, resulting in a satisfying dish with minimal effort and rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, dry onion mix, raw rice, and water in a large baking dish.
- Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the mixture.
- Sprinkle with parsley flakes and paprika, then dot with butter.
- Bake uncovered at 325°F (163°C) for 2 hours or until the chicken is tender.
- Add more water if necessary during baking; do not add salt as soups contain enough salt.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using long-grain rice or substituting half of the water with chicken broth. You can also add vegetables like frozen peas or diced carrots to the rice mixture for extra nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or use a spicy onion mix. This dish is reminiscent of comforting American recipes like Hot Dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy Baked Chicken and Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Potato Au Gratin for a hearty dinner. For added flavor, drizzle some lemon juice over the chicken before serving or garnish with fresh herbs.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and rice in a baking dish, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out, and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Baked Chicken And Rice contains roughly 514 calories, with 10g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (30% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 467mg per serving (20% 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 regular rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to increase the cooking time and water. Brown rice typically takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, so plan to adjust the baking time accordingly. Keep the dish covered for the first hour to ensure it cooks evenly.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of celery or cream of chicken soup as a substitute. Alternatively, you can make a homemade version using sautéed mushrooms, cream, and a bit of flour to thicken. This will enhance the dish's flavor while keeping it creamy.
Can I add other ingredients like cheese or vegetables?
Absolutely! Adding shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella on top of the chicken during the last 10-15 minutes of baking can create a delicious cheesy crust. You can also incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini into the rice mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
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).