Recipes Ideas

Easy Baked Chicken and Rice

Easy Baked Chicken and Rice

Easy Baked Chicken and Rice

Looking for a simple and delicious dinner idea? This Easy Baked Chicken and Rice recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • In a large baking dish, combine rice, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
  • Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika, then place them on top of the rice mixture.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  • Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Popular questions:

  • Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

    • A: Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice in this recipe. Just keep in mind that brown rice may require a longer cooking time.

  • Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

    • A: Certainly! You can use chicken thighs in place of chicken breasts if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

  • Q: Can I use a different type of cream soup?

    • A: Absolutely, feel free to use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup as alternatives to cream of mushroom soup.

  • Q: How can I add more flavor to the dish?

    • A: You can customize the seasonings by adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to enhance the flavor profile of the dish.

  • Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

    • A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by adjusting the cooking times and method accordingly.

Helpful tips:

  • Try adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the dish before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
  • For a crispy texture, remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the chicken to brown slightly.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices like cumin, oregano, or smoked paprika to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
  • Consider adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the dish for added nutrition and color.
  • Make sure to let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Expert Secrets:

  • For a richer sauce, mix in a tablespoon of sour cream or cream cheese with the cream of mushroom soup before adding it to the dish.
  • Marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before adding them to the rice for an extra burst of flavor.
  • To prevent the rice from sticking to the baking dish, lightly grease the dish with butter or oil before adding the rice mixture.
  • For a healthier option, use low-sodium chicken broth and cream of mushroom soup to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish.
  • Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the dish before baking for a more complex flavor profile.