Chicken And Rice Bake

Name: Chicken And Rice Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups long-grain rice; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 pound chicken breasts, diced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup carrots, sliced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Simple Quick Meals Favorites

I absolutely love making Chicken and Rice Bake because it always brings comfort and warmth to our dinner table. Growing up, my family often enjoyed this dish, and now I get to recreate it for my loved ones. The blend of savory chicken, tender rice, and succulent vegetables creates a hearty meal that fills everyone up. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, which means less cleanup for me! Each time I prepare it, I experiment a bit with the seasonings, making it a delightful surprise every time.

Created by

Chloe Baker

Last updated on 2026-01-24T13:33:34.681Z

Every time I make Chicken and Rice Bake, I’m reminded of the cozy dinners with my family. I remember the rich aromas that filled the kitchen and how everyone eagerly awaited their plates. The beauty of this dish is that it cooks all in one pan, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

One tip I discovered is to let the chicken sit in the seasonings for a bit before adding it to the rice. This not only enhances the flavor but also ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender during baking. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
A well-balanced meal in one dish
Comforting flavors that appeal to everyone
Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables

Choosing the Right Rice

The type of rice you choose can significantly affect the texture of your Chicken and Rice Bake. Long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine, works best for this dish because it cooks up light and fluffy, absorbing the flavors of the broth and seasonings. Avoid using short-grain rice as it tends to become overly sticky, which might alter the dish's intended consistency.

If you're in a pinch, instant rice can be a substitute, but be sure to adjust the liquid amounts and cooking time accordingly. Ultimately, the goal is to maintain the balance between tender rice and juicy chicken, so select a rice that can absorb the broth without turning mushy.

Seasoning Techniques

In this recipe, the marination of the chicken with garlic, onion, and paprika is essential for flavor development. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes, or even longer if time permits, enhances the overall taste as the spices penetrate the meat. Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional herbs like thyme or oregano to create a personalized flavor profile.

A common mistake is under-seasoning; taste the rice and broth mixture before adding the chicken to ensure it’s well-seasoned. Remember, the dish will be diluted with the chicken and vegetables, so it should be flavorful enough to stand up to these additions.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place the Chicken and Rice Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20 minutes, ensuring it’s warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

For longer-term storage, this dish can be frozen for up to two months. Freeze it in portion-sized containers, and when ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it gently to avoid drying it out, and enjoy the comforting flavors once more.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups long-grain rice
3 cups chicken broth
1 pound chicken breasts, diced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Instructions

Cooking Steps

Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

Cook the Rice

In a large baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly and pour the chicken broth over it. Mix in the broccoli and carrots.

Combine and Bake

Add the marinated chicken on top of the rice and vegetables. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice has absorbed the broth.

Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm and enjoy your delicious Chicken and Rice Bake!

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute the vegetables with those you prefer, such as bell peppers or peas, to personalize this dish to your liking.

Creative Variations

One of the great things about Chicken and Rice Bake is its versatility. You can easily incorporate a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, green beans, or spinach, to customize the dish according to seasonal produce or personal preference. Just be mindful of the cooking times for different vegetables; softer options like spinach should be added later in the cooking process.

For a creamier texture, consider stirring in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese right before serving. This addition not only enriches the flavor but also creates a delectably creamy coating on the chicken and rice.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you notice that the rice is undercooked despite following the recipe, it may be due to uneven heat in your oven. Ensure your oven is properly calibrated, and consider stirring the dish halfway through cooking to promote even heat distribution. Also, keep an eye on the liquid levels; if too much evaporates, you can add a bit more broth mid-cook.

On the other hand, if you find that the rice has absorbed too much liquid and becomes gummy, a future fix would be to slightly reduce the liquid next time. Measuring the broth accurately and avoiding overly vigorous stirring before baking can help maintain the desired texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish beforehand and refrigerate it. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.

→ What type of chicken should I use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but you can also use thighs for added flavor.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Certainly! Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead.