Oven Baked Chicken 'N' Rice
A comforting baked chicken and rice dish featuring creamy soups and tender chicken breasts, perfect for family dinners and easy to prepare on busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cream of celery soup, French onion soup, and uncooked rice together.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover the pan with foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour or until the chicken is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream to the soup mixture. If you don't have French onion soup, onion soup mix combined with beef broth can be a suitable substitute. You can also use brown rice instead of white; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Adding vegetables like peas or carrots can enhance both flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli to balance the richness. Consider serving with a side of garlic bread for added flavor. For a heartier meal, you might also enjoy it alongside roasted potatoes or a simple pasta dish. It's an ideal choice for family dinners or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and microwave in short intervals until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Baked Chicken 'N' Rice contains roughly 211 calories, with 15g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 588mg per serving (26% 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 boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add more flavor to the dish. They may also require slightly less cooking time, so check for tenderness around the 50-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the soups and rice together, place them in the pan, and top with chicken. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from the fridge.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to add extra liquid and check for doneness, as brown rice typically takes about 1.5 times longer to cook than white rice.
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).