This One Dish Chicken and Rice Bake is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome, satisfying meal with minimal effort. The dish features tender, juicy chicken breasts nestled on a bed of perfectly seasoned rice that cooks up fluffy and flavorful as it absorbs all the rich, savory juices. The combination of aromatic spices, broth, and a touch of butter creates a deeply comforting flavor profile that the whole family will love. With everything cooking together in one dish, cleanup is a breeze, making this recipe a go-to for hectic days.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Dish: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, evenly spread the uncooked rice.
- Mix the Liquid Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, and onion soup mix until well combined. Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice in the baking dish. Pour the broth mixture over the chicken and rice, making sure the rice is evenly covered with liquid.
- Add Butter: Dot the top of the chicken and rice with small pieces of butter.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (reaches an internal temperature of 165°F) and the rice is tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy your delicious, comforting One Dish Chicken and Rice Bake!
