Easy Chicken Continental
A quick, flavorful chicken and rice dish with mushrooms, green beans, and savory seasonings, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chicken, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic in oil for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add all remaining ingredients except rice to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in instant rice, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like parsley or thyme instead of dried basil. You can substitute the chicken with leftover cooked turkey or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a creamier consistency, add an extra half can of cream of mushroom soup. This dish can easily be customized by incorporating other veggies like bell peppers or peas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy Chicken Continental with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs beautifully with Yummy Hot Corn Casserole for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving a light dessert like fruit salad or yogurt to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chicken Continental contains roughly 866 calories, with 7g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 91g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (62% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1931mg per serving (84% 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 frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cooked chicken; just ensure it’s completely thawed before cooking. If using raw chicken, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it’s fully cooked throughout before adding the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for instant rice?
If you prefer not to use instant rice, you can substitute with regular white or brown rice. However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and amount of liquid, as regular rice typically requires longer cooking time and a different water-to-rice ratio.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when sautéing the chicken and mushrooms. Alternatively, you can top the finished dish with sliced jalapeños or serve it with a spicy side like a peppery coleslaw.
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).