5 Easy Baked Chicken and Rice Recipes

5 Easy Baked Chicken and Rice Recipes

Chicken and rice is a classic duo, often chosen for its versatility and comfort. When you bake this combination, you not only simplify your cooking process but also enhance the flavors by allowing them to meld together during the baking. Here are five easy baked chicken and rice recipes to streamline your meal prep, perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave something deliciously cozy.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a scrumptious meal that’s both comforting and indulgent.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
• Steps:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a baking dish, combine rice, cream of chicken soup, and broth.
  3. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Arrange chicken on top of the rice mixture.
  5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over chicken and rice, then distribute minced garlic.
  6. Bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncover for 15 minutes to let the cheese brown slightly.

💡 Note: Feel free to substitute cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile!

One-Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

This dish is a nutritious blend of protein, carbs, and greens, making it a complete meal in one pan.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste
• Steps:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place chicken thighs in a baking dish. Season both sides with salt, garlic, and onion powder.
  3. Add rice and broccoli to the dish.
  4. Pour chicken broth over all ingredients.
  5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover, sprinkle cheese, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Lemon and herbs bring a fresh, zesty flavor to this baked chicken and rice, making it light yet satisfying.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Steps:
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a baking dish, combine rice, chicken stock, lemon juice, and zest.
  3. Season chicken with herbs, salt, and pepper.
  4. Place chicken on top of the rice mixture.
  5. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow for browning.

Cheesy Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice

This recipe brings in vibrant flavors with salsa verde, making it an excellent choice for those who love a bit of spice.

• Ingredients:
  • 6 chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup white or brown rice
  • 1 jar salsa verde
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Salt to taste
• Steps:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix rice, salsa verde, and broth in a baking dish.
  3. Season chicken tenderloins with salt.
  4. Place chicken on top of the rice mixture.
  5. Bake covered for 35 minutes, then uncover, sprinkle cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Mushroom and Spinach Chicken Risotto

For something a little more elegant, this risotto-style chicken and rice dish is both decadent and comforting.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Parmesan cheese and salt to taste
• Steps:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add shallots and garlic, cook until translucent.
  3. Add rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring to coat with butter.
  4. Pour in 2 ½ cups of chicken stock, add mushrooms, and bring to a simmer.
  5. Season chicken with salt, and nestle into the rice mixture.
  6. Cover and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking halfway to ensure there is enough liquid. If it’s dry, add remaining stock.
  7. Stir in spinach and sprinkle with Parmesan, then bake uncovered for 5 more minutes.

The beauty of these baked chicken and rice recipes lies in their simplicity and the minimal effort required after the initial preparation. They allow you to set your ingredients in one dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic of baking do the work for you, resulting in dishes that are flavorful, tender, and perfect for gatherings or a quiet dinner at home. Each recipe brings its unique twist to the timeless pairing, ensuring variety in your meal planning while keeping your time in the kitchen to a minimum.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

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You can use cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or make your own white sauce with milk, flour, butter, and chicken bouillon for a similar texture and taste.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in these recipes?

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Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and the liquid. Typically, brown rice requires about 45-50 minutes to cook and an additional ¹⁄₄ cup of liquid for every cup of rice.

How do I make sure my chicken is fully cooked in these recipes?

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Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should read 165°F (75°C) for chicken to be safely consumed.