Microbaked Brown Rice
A quick and flavorful microwaved brown rice dish infused with butter, chicken broth, bay leaf, and thyme, perfect for a comforting and aromatic meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a heavy, microwavable casserole dish, brown the brown rice in butter until grains are coated and begin to sizzle.
- Add heated chicken broth, bay leaf, and thyme; season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil on High in the microwave; then simmer until tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Stir the rice, cover, and let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your microbaked brown rice, consider adding garlic or shallots while browning the rice in butter. If you're out of chicken broth, vegetable broth works as a great substitute. For a vegetarian version, use olive oil instead of butter and add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition. Always rinse the brown rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
Serving Suggestions
Microbaked brown rice pairs beautifully with chicken recipes like Dijon Chicken Breasts or as a base for stir-fries. Consider serving it alongside grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For added flavor, top with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover microbaked brown rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microbaked Brown Rice contains roughly 844 calories, with 15g protein, 131g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value), iron (75% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 526mg per serving (23% 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 white rice instead of brown rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use white rice, but the cooking time will be shorter, about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking, as white rice cooks faster than brown rice.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like olive oil or vegan butter, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This will keep the dish flavorful while accommodating a vegan diet.
Can I add vegetables to the rice while cooking?
Yes, adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots can enhance the dish. Just be sure to chop them small so they cook thoroughly in the microwave. Add them at the same time as the broth for the best results.
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).