Easy Sunday Chicken Dinner
A hearty and comforting Sunday chicken dinner with tender chicken, savory mushroom and celery soups, seasoned rice, perfect for family gatherings and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix uncooked rice, mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, water, and sprinkle dry onion soup mix on top in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Place chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture and sprinkle with dry onion soup mix.
- Seal the pan tightly with foil and bake at 325°F for 2 1/2 hours.
- Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the dish to brown slightly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute one can of soup with a can of reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup or add a splash of white wine to enhance the flavor. If you prefer, swap the chicken for turkey pieces or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Ensure the rice is evenly distributed for even cooking, and consider using brown rice for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy Sunday Chicken Dinner with a side of steamed green vegetables or a crisp garden salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Chrissey'S Potato Soup or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Sunday Chicken Dinner contains roughly 286 calories, with 11g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1222mg per serving (53% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken pieces, but increase the baking time by about 30 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure safety.
What type of rice works best in this dish?
Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe as it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors well. If you prefer brown rice, be aware that it may require additional liquid and a longer cooking time.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just remember to add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time if it goes into the oven cold.
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).