Rita Lee'S Chicken And Rice
Creamy, comforting chicken and rice baked with mushroom and celery soups, perfect for family dinners and those craving hearty, flavorful one-pot meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour rice evenly into the bottom of a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Place the chicken pieces over the raw rice.
- Mix the cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, and water thoroughly.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and rice.
- Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake in a slow oven at 325°F for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, consider marinating the chicken pieces in the onion soup mix for a few hours before baking. You can substitute white rice with brown rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a bit of sour cream to the soup mixture. This dish is a great alternative to the Onion And Cheese Chicken Bake(Microwave) for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is delicious on its own, but consider pairing it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You might also serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a comforting side, try the Creamy Cheese Potato Bake for a satisfying addition.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to keep the rice moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rita Lee'S Chicken And Rice contains roughly 294 calories, with 9g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value) and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 789mg 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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it requires a longer cooking time. Increase the baking time to about 2.5 to 3 hours, and ensure you add an additional half cup of water to accommodate the longer cooking process.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup as a substitute. Alternatively, you can make a homemade version using sautéed mushrooms, flour, and broth to get a similar creamy consistency.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
To make this dish healthier, consider using skinless chicken breasts instead of cut-up pieces. You can also replace the canned soups with homemade versions made from low-sodium broth and reduced-fat dairy to control the ingredients and lower the sodium content.
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).