Weeknight Wonder: Satisfy Your Hunger with Easy Baked Chicken and Rice!

Photo byAngie Bright

There’s something truly comforting about a homemade baked dish that’s warm, filling, and flavorful. One of the all-time favorites that fits this description is baked chicken and rice. This simple yet hearty meal combines tender chicken pieces with a savory mix of rice and creamy soups, making it perfect for family dinners or when you need a cozy, no-fuss meal. It’s easy to prepare, bakes in just one dish, and guarantees a delicious result every time. With minimal effort and basic pantry ingredients, you can create a meal that leaves everyone satisfied.

This easy baked chicken and rice recipe stands out because of its perfect blend of flavors from the cream of chicken, mushroom, and celery soups. These soups create a creamy, savory base that infuses the rice with rich flavor while keeping the chicken moist and tender. Whether you use bone-in or boneless chicken, this dish adapts beautifully, making it versatile enough for any preference.

One of the greatest things about this dish is how easy it is to prepare. You simply mix the rice and soups, layer it in a dish, top it with chicken, and let your oven do the rest. It’s a recipe that requires little attention, allowing you to tend to other tasks while the oven fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of baked chicken and rice.

Recipe: Easy Baked Chicken and Rice
Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups minute rice (Regular rice can also be used)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can cream of celery soup
• Chicken pieces (bone-in or boneless)
• Salt/Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the minute rice with the cream of chicken, mushroom, and celery soups. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
3. Spread the rice and soup mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating a base for the chicken.
4. Place the chicken pieces directly on top of the rice mixture. Make sure the chicken pieces are not overlapping so that they cook evenly.
5. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 90 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the flavors and the chicken to cook through.
6. Once baked, remove the foil, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of baked chicken and rice!

This baked chicken and rice recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. You can easily add your favorite seasonings, like garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs, to give it an extra layer of flavor. Pair it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s sure to please any crowd.

The creamy rice, packed with savory goodness from the soups, complements the juicy chicken, making every bite a taste of pure comfort. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight meal or a casual weekend dinner, baked chicken and rice is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Here are some excellent sources for the Easy Baked Chicken and Rice recipe:

1. RecipeTin Eats offers a detailed version of oven-baked chicken and rice, focusing on flavor-packed ingredients like garlic, onion, and paprika to enhance the chicken and rice​RecipeTin Eats.
2. Campbell's Kitchen provides a simplified version using condensed soups like cream of mushroom or chicken, which makes the recipe creamy and rich while being super easy to prepare​Campbell Soup Company.
3. Insanely Good Recipes also highlights a one-pan baked chicken and rice recipe with a focus on long-grain rice for the best texture and seasoning tips for perfectly baked chicken​Insanely Good Recipes.

These sources offer different spins on the same comforting, delicious meal, so feel free to explore and adapt according to your preferences.