Lazy Chicken
Lazy Chicken is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender chicken baked over seasoned rice with a savory mushroom and onion soup base. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines simple ingredients into a flavorful, one-pan meal that requires minimal preparation and delivers satisfying results.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a greased baking dish generously with Pam.
- Evenly spread uncooked long grain rice in the bottom of the dish.
- Place the chicken pieces skin side up on top of the rice.
- In a bowl, mix the dry onion soup mix, water, and mushroom soup.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and rice.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding some garlic powder or herbs like thyme or rosemary to the rice before baking. If you don't have dry onion soup mix, you can substitute it with a combination of onion powder and bouillon. For a lighter option, use skinless chicken pieces. Be sure to check the rice for doneness, as different brands may require slight adjustments in water or cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Lazy Chicken is delicious served alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Bubbly Iced Tea for a refreshing drink option. For a heartier side, consider serving with a warm bread roll to soak up the flavorful sauce from the dish. This meal is perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the dish and cover it with foil to prevent drying out, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to cover it to keep the moisture in.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Chicken contains roughly 389 calories, with 33g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. At about 389 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 long grain rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require more water and a longer cooking time. Brown rice typically takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, so adjust the baking time accordingly, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through.
What can I do if I don't have mushroom soup?
If you don't have mushroom soup on hand, you can replace it with cream of chicken soup or make a simple homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, and chicken broth with sautéed mushrooms. This will give your dish a nice creamy texture.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
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).