Easy Chicken And Rice Bake
A comforting baked chicken and rice dish featuring wild rice, tender chicken breasts, and creamy soup, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease the bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Spread the Uncle Ben wild rice evenly over the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle rice seasoning (Mrs. Dash) evenly over the rice.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice.
- In a saucepan, heat the cream of chicken and broccoli soup with water until boiling.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken and rice.
- Sprinkle Mrs. Dash seasoning on top to taste.
- Cover the casserole dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Uncover and bake for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fork-tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding some shredded cheese to the soup mixture before pouring it over the chicken and rice. You can also substitute the cream of chicken and broccoli soup with a homemade version using cream of mushroom soup combined with steamed broccoli. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in your favorite spices before adding them to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Chicken And Rice Bake pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. A light drizzle of lemon juice over the dish just before serving can enhance the flavors. Consider browsing more American recipes to complement this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chicken And Rice Bake contains roughly 521 calories, with 12g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1402mg per serving (61% 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 wild rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the water and cooking time as brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Make sure to check the rice package for specific instructions to ensure perfect results.
What can I add to customize the flavor?
You can customize the flavor by adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the casserole before baking. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also enhance the dish’s aroma and taste. Experiment with different types of Mrs. Dash seasoning to find your favorite blend.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through, or bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
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).