A chicken and rice bake is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, rice, vegetables, and a creamy sauce all baked together in one dish. Here’s a basic recipe for a simple chicken and rice bake:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season and Sear the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- In an oven-safe skillet or a large, oven-safe casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet or dish and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet or dish, add the diced onion and bell pepper.
- Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add Rice and Liquid:
- Stir in the rice, chicken broth, remaining garlic powder, and paprika.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Combine and Bake:
- Nestle the seared chicken breasts into the rice mixture.
- Cover the skillet or dish with foil or a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the rice is tender.
- Add Cheese and Sour Cream:
- Remove the skillet or dish from the oven.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chicken and rice.
- Dollop spoonfuls of sour cream over the cheese.
- Return to Oven:
- Place the skillet or dish back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the chicken and rice bake from the oven.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for garnish if desired.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve your chicken and rice bake hot, and enjoy the comforting combination of flavors and textures. It makes for a wholesome and satisfying meal.