Ultimate Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

The aroma of baked chicken and rice wafts through the house like a warm hug, inviting you to the table with its flavorful promise. Picture tender chicken nestled on a fluffy bed of seasoned rice, each bite bursting with savory goodness that makes even the grumpiest of eaters crack a smile.

This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s the ultimate comfort food that brings families together, especially on those chilly nights when all you want is something cozy. With its tantalizing blend of spices and textures, every forkful is a delightful experience that will transport you straight to flavor town.

I remember the first time I made baked chicken and rice for my family; their eyes lit up like they had just found buried treasure.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Long-Grain Rice: This type holds up well during baking and absorbs all the fantastic flavors.

• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth so you can better control the dish’s saltiness.

• Fresh Vegetables (like bell peppers and onions): These add both color and crunch; choose firm veggies for the best results.

• Spices (like garlic powder and paprika): They elevate flavor; don’t skimp!

• Olive Oil: A drizzle enhances moisture while contributing a lovely richness.

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness.

• Dijon Mustard: It adds a zesty kick that livens up the overall taste of the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures your chicken and rice bake evenly without any surprises.

Prepare Your Baking Dish: Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or lightly grease it with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Season Your Chicken: Place your chicken breasts in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika generously over them. Massage those spices into the meat for maximum flavor!

Add Rice and Vegetables: In a bowl, mix long-grain rice with chopped vegetables. Pour this mixture around your chicken in the baking dish. It looks colorful already!

Pour in Broth and Sauce: Combine chicken broth with soy sauce and Dijon mustard in a separate bowl. Pour this flavorful concoction over everything in your baking dish; just watch those flavors mingle!

Bake it Up!: Cover your dish tightly with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil halfway through so that everything gets beautifully browned on top while allowing aromas to fill your kitchen.

Baked chicken and rice isn’t just food; it’s an experience wrapped in warmth. As you serve this delightful dish, enjoy watching everyone dig into their plates with eager anticipation!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken for optimal flavor, then combine with rice and broth for even cooking. This ensures a juicy chicken while allowing the rice to absorb all those tasty juices.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to switch up the seasonings or toss in vegetables like peas or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. A sprinkle of cheese on top can also elevate this dish to cheesy heaven.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it’s dried out.

Cooking this baked chicken and rice has always been a family favorite, especially when my kids come home from school. Their smiles say it all!

FAQ

What type of rice works best for baked chicken and rice?

Long-grain white rice is ideal as it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even doneness.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the seasoning mix for a kick!

Print

Baked Chicken and Rice

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Baked chicken and rice is a comforting, one-pan dish that combines tender chicken breasts with fluffy long-grain rice, seasoned vegetables, and a savory broth. This delightful meal is perfect for busy weeknights, effortlessly bringing the family together around the dinner table. With its aromatic blend of spices and textures, each bite promises warmth and satisfaction, making it an instant favorite for all ages.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped fresh vegetables (bell peppers and onions)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.
3. Place the chicken breasts in the dish; drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
4. In a bowl, mix the rice and chopped vegetables; scatter around the chicken.
5. Combine chicken broth, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard; pour over the chicken and rice.
6. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil halfway through to brown the top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 250g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: To enhance flavor, sear the chicken before baking. Customize by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Leftover storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.