Are you craving a delicious, hassle-free meal that will have your entire family begging for seconds? Look no further than this mouthwatering Easy Chicken Rice Bake! In just under an hour, you'll transform simple ingredients into a creamy, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a medley of vegetables. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or just someone who loves satisfying comfort food, this recipe is your ticket to a stress-free, delectable dinner that will become an instant family favorite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and mixed vegetables. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add onion powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir until the seasonings are completely incorporated.
- Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the dish to ensure uniform cooking.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and help the rice cook properly.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to allow the top to become slightly golden and crispy.
- Check the rice for doneness by testing a few grains - they should be soft and fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- For a creamier texture, use long-grain white rice which absorbs liquid more evenly.
- Don't skip the aluminum foil cover - it's crucial for keeping the moisture locked in and ensuring tender rice.
- Feel free to customize your vegetables based on what you have on hand or your family's preferences.
- For a crispy top, remove the foil in the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
- Let the dish rest after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to fully absorb the liquids.
- For added richness, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 304kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: mg
