Hearty Chicken and Rice Bake

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Hearty Chicken and Rice Bake is the perfect comfort food for a cozy family dinner. With a creamy, savory sauce and a cheesy topping, it's a satisfying dish that brings warmth to any table. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this bake is sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients for Hearty Chicken and Rice Bake

Boneless skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein and cook up tender and juicy. Long-grain white rice absorbs all the flavorful liquids, becoming perfectly tender as it bakes. Chicken broth adds depth and enhances the savory profile of the dish. Cream of mushroom soup brings creaminess and a hint of earthiness, making the sauce rich and comforting. Onion and garlic provide aromatic and savory notes that complement the chicken and rice. Dried thyme adds a subtle herbal flavor, while salt and black pepper season the dish just right. Finally, shredded cheddar cheese melts on top, creating a golden, bubbly finish that everyone loves.

Tips & Tricks

  • For added flavor, sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet before placing them in the casserole dish.
  • Swap out the cheddar cheese for a sharper variety like aged gouda or Gruyère for a different twist.
  • Check the rice for doneness before removing from the oven. Add a splash more broth if needed and bake a bit longer.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you'll need to increase the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook. Keep an extra cup of broth on hand to add if needed.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Hearty Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe Walkthrough

First, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C) to get things started. In a large bowl, combine the chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, and water to create the base of your sauce. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic for that savory aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to balance the flavors.

Take a 9x13 inch casserole dish and evenly spread the rice over the bottom. Pour the prepared soup mixture over the rice, making sure it's all covered and ready to soak up the deliciousness. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, arranging them so they cook evenly.

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil, sealing in the moisture to keep everything tender. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil, sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top, and return to the oven for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • One-dish meal: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked together in one pan.
  • Family-friendly: Pleases both kids and adults alike with its creamy, cheesy goodness.
  • Customizable: Easy to adapt with different vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
  • Make-ahead option: Prepare in advance and bake when ready for stress-free meal planning.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup water
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, water, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place rice in a 9x13 inch casserole dish and pour the soup mixture over the rice.
4. Place chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
5. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
6. Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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