Zesty Chicken 'N Rice
Zesty Chicken 'N Rice is a flavorful baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts, seasoned with Italian dressing and herbs, complemented by rice and colorful mixed vegetables. Topped with crispy French fried onions, it offers a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Pour salad dressing over the chicken.
- Bake, uncovered, at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Place rice, frozen vegetables, and 1/2 cup of French fried onions around and under the chicken.
- Combine chicken bouillon and Italian seasoning; pour over the chicken and vegetables.
- Bake, uncovered, for an additional 25 minutes.
- Top with remaining French fried onions and bake for 2 to 3 minutes longer.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the Italian dressing for a few hours or overnight. You can substitute the frozen mixed vegetables with fresh ones if preferred, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. If you want a creamier texture, consider adding a can of cream of mushroom soup to the rice and vegetable mixture. This recipe is similar to Chicken, Broccoli And Ziti in its comforting qualities.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this zesty chicken dish with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with roasted vegetables or a light soup. This dish also makes a great filling for wraps or sandwiches the next day, giving it a new twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep the rice moist. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zesty Chicken 'N Rice contains roughly 908 calories, with 23g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value) and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1858mg per serving (81% 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 regular rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time. Adjust the chicken bouillon and baking time accordingly to ensure the rice cooks through. It's best to pre-cook the brown rice partially before adding it to the dish.
What can I use instead of Italian dressing?
If you don't have Italian dressing, you can make a simple substitute using olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs. Combine 1/3 cup olive oil with 2 tablespoons vinegar and a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to mimic the flavor profile.
How can I make this recipe spicy?
To add some heat, consider mixing in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the Italian dressing before pouring it over the chicken. Alternatively, you can also add sliced jalapeños to the vegetable mix for a spicy kick that complements the dish.
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).