Simple Savory Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe: A Cozy Dinner Joy

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions, and this hearty chicken and rice bake delivers pure comfort.

Rich flavors meld together in a single dish that promises warmth with every bite.

Tender chicken nestles into fluffy rice, creating a mouth-watering main course that feels like a culinary hug.

Herbs and spices dance through each layer, elevating this classic combination beyond basic meal expectations.

Minimal preparation meets maximum satisfaction in this foolproof recipe.

Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds before the first serving is finished.

One spoonful will convince you that home cooking can be both effortless and delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything You Need for Savory Chicken and Rice Bake

• Long-Grain Rice: The foundation of the dish, providing a hearty and filling base that soaks up all the delicious flavors perfectly.

• Chicken Fillets: Lean protein that becomes incredibly tender and juicy during slow baking, creating a mouthwatering main course.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, warming depth that complements the chicken without overpowering other ingredients.
• Thyme: Introduces an earthy, slightly minty herb note that elevates the overall taste profile.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a rich, velvety base that helps keep the chicken moist and adds luxurious texture.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Brings additional depth and umami flavor to the dish, enhancing its overall complexity.
• Onion Soup Mix: Provides a concentrated burst of savory seasoning that helps develop a robust taste foundation.
• Water: Helps blend the soups and creates the perfect consistency for the sauce.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and slight kick to the overall seasoning.

• Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a light herbal note to the completed dish.

Gather These Tools for Savory Chicken and Rice Bake

• Baking Dish (9×13-inch): Essential for layering rice and chicken, ensures even cooking.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending soups and seasonings smoothly without lumps.
• Mixing Bowl: Needed to combine soup mixture ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure water and soup ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Precisely measures garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers dish during baking to lock in moisture and heat.
• Chopping Board: Used for chopping fresh parsley for garnish.
• Sharp Knife: Helps chop parsley and prepare ingredients.

How to Make Savory Chicken and Rice Bake from Scratch

• Cozy Kitchen Setup

Grab a spacious baking dish and create a warm cooking environment by preheating the oven to a gentle 350°F. Lightly coat the dish with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks.

• Rice Foundation

Spread a soft layer of uncooked long-grain rice across the bottom of your baking dish, creating a comforting base for the meal.

• Flavor Symphony

Blend cream of chicken and mushroom soups with aromatic seasonings in a mixing bowl. Whisk the mixture until smooth, allowing the flavors to dance together harmoniously.

• Chicken Nestling

Gently place chicken pieces on top of the rice landscape. Pour the creamy soup mixture over the chicken, ensuring every inch is lovingly covered.

• Baking Magic

Shield the dish with aluminum foil, trapping all the delicious moisture. Let the oven work its magic for about 90 minutes, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

• Final Touch

After removing from the oven, let the dish rest briefly. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top, adding a burst of color and a hint of freshness to your comforting meal.

Smart Prep Tips for Savory Chicken and Rice Bake

• Replace chicken with turkey, pork chops, or boneless beef cuts for a delightful protein variation that keeps the dish exciting and adaptable to different meat preferences.
• Enhance nutritional value by mixing in chopped carrots, frozen peas, or diced bell peppers directly into the rice layer, creating a more colorful and nutrient-rich casserole.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends like Italian herbs, Cajun spice mix, or smoked paprika to transform the flavor profile and add a personal touch to the classic recipe.
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking for a golden, melty top that adds richness and extra flavor complexity.

Best Ways to Serve Savory Chicken and Rice Bake

• Pair with Fresh Sides: Create a colorful salad with crisp mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber to balance the rich, creamy chicken and rice dish.
• Enhance with Vegetable Companions: Roast seasonal vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus as a nutritious and vibrant side that complements the main course's flavors.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Select a light white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the dish's creaminess and elevate the dining experience.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Serve warm, buttery dinner rolls or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a comforting touch to the meal.

Tips and Make-Ahead Ideas for Savory Chicken and Rice Bake

• Maximize Meal Prep: Store leftover chicken and rice bake in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Keep cooked dish in sealed containers for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and texture when properly chilled.
• Freeze for Later: Package individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, which can last up to 3 months without losing quality.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed portions in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water to prevent dryness and restore moisture to the rice and chicken.

Hearty Chicken And Rice Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Golden Southwestern chicken and rice bake delivers comfort with robust spices and hearty ingredients. Home cooks can enjoy this simple, satisfying meal that brings warmth to dinner tables everywhere.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml / 12 fl oz) water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, creating a non-adhesive cooking surface.
2. Rice Foundation: Spread uncooked long-grain rice evenly across the baking dish, ensuring complete and uniform bottom coverage.
3. Flavor Fusion: Whisk cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, water, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper into a smooth, harmonious liquid blend.
4. Protein Placement: Arrange chicken fillets atop the rice layer, positioning them with minimal overlap to guarantee consistent cooking and heat distribution.
5. Liquid Integration: Pour soup mixture over chicken and rice, using a spatula to ensure complete ingredient saturation and even liquid coverage.
6. Moisture Sealing: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, creating a hermetic seal to lock in moisture and promote thorough cooking.
7. Baking Transformation: Bake for 1½ to 2 hours until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and rice becomes perfectly tender and fully cooked.
8. Resting Period: Remove from oven and let dish rest 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and settle for enhanced taste and easier serving.
9. Finishing Touch: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant garnish and subtle herbal enhancement before serving.

Notes

• Prevent Rice Sticking: Ensure uniform rice layer and proper greasing to avoid burning or uneven cooking.
• Soup Mixture Mastery: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-blended sauce that enhances overall flavor profile.
• Chicken Placement Precision: Arrange chicken fillets with minimal overlap to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture.
• Moisture Retention Technique: Tightly cover with foil to lock in steam, resulting in tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg