Oh, you are going to LOVE this! When the weather gets a bit chilly or honestly, just when I need a hug in a bowl, this Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake is what I whip up. It’s seriously one of those dishes that just feels like home, you know? It’s so simple to throw together, and the smell that fills the kitchen while it’s baking is just pure bliss. I’ve been making comfort food classics like this for years, and this chicken and rice bake is a true winner. It’s hearty, satisfying, and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand. Trust me, it’s going to become your new go-to!
Why You’ll Love This Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights! Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite:
- Super Easy: You just brown some chicken, sauté some onion and garlic, mix everything together, and bake. That’s it!
- Quick Prep: We’re talking about 15 minutes of prep time, tops. It’s perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a delicious home-cooked meal.
- So Satisfying: It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and fluffy rice. It really hits the spot!
- One-Dish Wonder: Less mess means more relaxing! Everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Gather Your Ingredients for the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
The beauty of this dish is how simple the ingredients are! You probably have most of them in your pantry right now. We’re not doing anything fancy here, just good, honest ingredients that come together to make something truly special. Let’s see what you’ll need!
Essential Components for Your Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
Here’s exactly what you need to grab:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika
- 8 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
Alright, let’s get this comfort food party started! It’s really straightforward, so don’t stress. First things first, get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). This is super important so your bake starts cooking right away. We’re going to build all the flavor right in the pan!
Preparing the Chicken and Rice Base
We’ll start by heating up a tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, toss in your chicken pieces and let them brown up really well on all sides. This step is key for flavor, so don’t rush it! Once they’re browned, scoop them out and set them aside for a moment. Now, toss in your chopped onion and let it soften up, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it smells amazing – watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
Next, stir in your uncooked long-grain white rice, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Give it a good stir and bring it all to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, turn the heat down to low, pop a lid on, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Just 5 minutes is all it needs at this stage!
Assembling and Baking Your Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
Now for the magic! Stir in that creamy mushroom soup and your browned chicken. If you’re not using an oven-safe skillet, now’s the time to transfer everything to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover the whole thing tightly with foil – this traps all the steam and helps the rice cook perfectly. Pop it into that preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that time, carefully take off the foil, sprinkle all that lovely shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and put it back in the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. You want that cheese to be all melted and bubbly and maybe even a little golden brown. Before you dig in, let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps everything set up nicely, making it easier to serve and just tastier overall!
Tips for a Perfect Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
You know, even with a super simple recipe like this, a few little tricks can make it extra special. First off, really take your time when browning the chicken. That golden-brown crust adds so much depth of flavor, and it’s totally worth those few extra minutes. Also, be precise with the rice simmering time – just 5 minutes is all it needs before it goes into the oven. That way, it won’t get mushy in the bake. If you’re adding veggies like peas or carrots, toss them in with the cream of mushroom soup and chicken; they’ll cook up perfectly in the oven.
And for that extra creamy, dreamy texture? My little secret is adding a splash of milk or even a bit of heavy cream when you stir in the soup. It just makes it oh-so-luxurious! Make sure your oven is fully preheated too, and don’t peek too much while it’s baking under the foil. Trust me, the anticipation is part of the fun!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
Got questions about this easy chicken and rice bake? I’ve got answers!
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: You absolutely can! Chicken breast works too, but it can sometimes dry out a bit more easily than thighs. Just make sure not to overcook it when you’re browning it initially, and it should turn out great.
Q: Can this be made ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the whole bake (before adding the cheese) and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to cook, let it sit out for about 30 minutes first, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed. The cheese topping goes on right before the final bake.
Q: What can I serve with this bake?
A: This chicken and rice bake is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but it’s lovely with a simple side salad or some steamed green beans. A little bit of freshness really balances out the richness!
Q: How do I prevent the rice from being mushy?
A: The key is that short 5-minute simmer *before* it goes into the oven. That just gives the rice a head start. Also, make sure you’re using long-grain white rice, as it holds its texture better in casseroles than shorter grains.
Understanding the Nutrition of Your Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
Just a friendly heads-up, the nutritional information you might see for this dish is always an estimate. It can really change depending on the brands you use, exactly how you prepare everything, and even the specific ingredients you have on hand. So, while we aim for deliciousness, think of these numbers as a general guide rather than super precise data!
Serving Suggestions for Your Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
This chicken and rice bake is a meal in itself, but it’s always nice to add a little something extra, right? For a fresh contrast, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is just perfect. It cuts through the richness wonderfully. Or, you could go for some lightly steamed green beans or broccoli – they add a nice bit of color and crunch. And you can never go wrong with a side of crusty bread for soaking up any extra cheesy, creamy goodness left in the pan. It’s all about balancing those comforting flavors!
Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake: 1 Amazing Dish
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy chicken and rice casserole.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika
- 8 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Stir in uncooked rice, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup and cooked chicken.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish if not using an oven-safe skillet.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of milk or heavy cream with the cream of mushroom soup.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli.
- If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be substituted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken and rice bake, casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, one-dish meal