Peggy'S Special Chicken Bake
A hearty baked chicken dish featuring seasoned rice and tender chicken breasts, perfect for family dinners and comforting meals with savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour dry Rice-A-Roni into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the rice.
- Sprinkle the spice mix from the Rice-A-Roni on top of the chicken breasts.
- Spoon soup over all ingredients; pour 1 can of water into the dish.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the rice before layering the chicken. If you don’t have Rice-A-Roni, you can substitute with any flavored rice mix or plain rice seasoned with herbs. To ensure even cooking, try to select chicken breasts of similar size. For added moisture, you can use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Peggy's Special Chicken Bake with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Liz's Microwave Rice for a comforting dinner. For a heartier option, you could serve it alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peggy'S Special Chicken Bake contains roughly 110 calories, with 2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 775mg per serving (34% 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 breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, you may need to extend the baking time by 15-30 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked. Make sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.
What type of soup works best in this recipe?
Cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup works best, as they add moisture and flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use a low-fat version of the soup or even a homemade cream sauce for a fresher taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day ahead, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just add an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
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).