Patio Chicken
A flavorful foil-baked chicken dish featuring onion soup mix, evaporated milk, and butter, served over hearty Minute rice—perfect for easy, comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare Minute rice as directed, making fairly large servings per person.
- Place the cooked rice on individual squares of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Sprinkle the rice with dry Lipton onion soup mix.
- Optional: Add cashews, water chestnut slices, or fresh mushrooms to the rice.
- Place chicken pieces on top of the rice and sprinkle with more dry soup mix.
- Top each with 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon evaporated milk.
- Seal the edges of the foil to create individual packages.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of the dry Lipton onion soup mix and a bit of evaporated milk before cooking. If you want a creamier texture, you can replace some of the evaporated milk with sour cream. This dish can also be made with alternative grains like quinoa or couscous instead of Minute rice for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Patio Chicken with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A side of garlic bread can complement the dish nicely. You could also pair it with a light, crisp white wine for an elevated dining experience, or browse more American recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the foil packets on a baking tray and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quicker option, removing the foil beforehand.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Patio Chicken contains roughly 23 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
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 make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the foil packets in advance and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to bake them within a day or two for the best quality. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.
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).