This Chicken and Rice Bake recipe is a delightful blend of creamy comfort and refreshing crispness. The chicken is tender and juicy, enveloped in a creamy concoction of cream cheese and milk. We toss in some broccoli for a pop of color and crunch. All of these are nestled on a bed of fluffy white rice, then baked to perfection. A sprinkle of five Italian cheeses on top brings this dish to a satisfying finish.
Majority of the ingredients needed for this recipe are pretty standard and could be found in most kitchens. However, if you're short on some items like the Italian 5 cheese or the instant white rice, these might need a trip to the supermarket. The Italian 5 cheese is a delightful blend of five types of Italian cheeses, including Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano. The instant white rice will save you a lot of time in this dish, as it cooks up in just a few minutes.
Chicken and Rice Bake Ingredients
Oil: An essential cooking medium, it helps in cooking chicken and broccoli.
Chicken breast: The main protein source of this recipe.
Broccoli florets: These add a delightful crunch and plenty of nutrients.
Chicken broth: It provides a flavorful liquid base for cooking the rice.
Instant white rice: A convenient choice, as it cooks up quickly.
Cream cheese: It adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to the dish.
Milk: It helps to create a creamy consistency.
Italian seasoning: It offers a burst of Italian flavors.
Garlic salt: Adds savory depth to the chicken.
Pepper: It brings a punch of heat.
Italian 5 cheese: It adds a cheesy, gooey finish to the dish.
One reader, Gifford North says:
This chicken and rice bake recipe is a game-changer! The flavors blend perfectly, and the dish is so easy to make. It's a hit with my family every time. The creamy texture and cheesy topping make it a comforting and satisfying meal. Highly recommended for a quick and delicious dinner option!
Techniques Required
How to cook the chicken and broccoli: In a large skillet, heat the oil and cook the chicken and broccoli until the chicken is no longer pink.
How to mix the ingredients: After adding the broth to the skillet, bring it to a boil and then stir in the rice, cream cheese, milk, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
How to bake the chicken and rice: Spoon the mixture into a greased 8x8 baking dish, then top it with shredded cheese. Cover the dish and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 22-26 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How To Make Chicken Rice Bake
Whip up a fuss-free dinner meal by trying out this chicken rice bake! It’s loaded with tender chicken, gooey cheeses, and crisp broccoli for a filling meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspoil
- 1lbchicken breast,boneless skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2cupssmall broccoli florets
- 1cupchicken broth
- 1¼cupsinstant white rice,uncooked
- 8ozcream cheese
- 2tbspmilk
- 1tspItalian seasoning
- garlic salt,to taste
- pepper
- 1cupItalian 5 cheese,shredded
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Heat the oil in large skillet and cook chicken and broccoli. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink.
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Stir in the broth and bring to a boil. Add the rice, cream cheese, milk, Italian seasoning, garlic salt and pepper. Mix well.
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Spoon into greased 8×8 baking dish. Top with shredded cheese.
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Cover and bake for 22 to 26 minutes.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 540.20kcal
- Fat: 30.69g
- Saturated Fat: 14.05g
- Trans Fat: 0.35g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.83g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.19g
- Carbohydrates: 37.21g
- Fiber: 0.24g
- Sugar: 2.17g
- Protein: 27.76g
- Cholesterol: 114.10mg
- Sodium: 392.06mg
- Calcium: 219.24mg
- Potassium: 387.40mg
- Iron: 1.58mg
- Vitamin A: 244.19µg
- Vitamin C: 16.71mg
Technique Tip for Achieving the Perfect Bake
When cooking the chicken and broccoli in the skillet, make sure to stir frequently to ensure even cooking and to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the pan. Also, when adding the rice, it's important to stir it well into the broth mixture to ensure that it absorbs the liquid evenly. This will result in a fluffy and well-cooked rice in your bake.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Chicken and Rice Bake
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pot wonders: Look for recipes that allow you to cook everything in one pot to minimize clean-up and save time.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen tools like a food processor or a slow cooker to make meal prep quicker and easier.
Batch cooking: Cook larger quantities of the recipe and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals later.
Plan your meals: Create a weekly meal plan to streamline grocery shopping and meal preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Chicken Rice Bake Recipe
oil - Substitute with butter: Butter can add a rich flavor and creaminess to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.
chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can provide a similar protein base and absorb the flavors of the dish while offering a vegetarian option.
broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower can provide a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the dish while offering a low-carb alternative.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can add depth of flavor and richness to the dish while catering to vegetarian preferences.
instant white rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a protein-rich alternative that can add a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture to the dish.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor while reducing the overall fat content.
milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a hint of sweetness and a rich, creamy texture to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Italian seasoning - Substitute with herbs de Provence: Herbs de Provence can offer a similar aromatic blend of herbs, including thyme, rosemary, and savory, adding a unique flavor to the dish.
garlic salt - Substitute with minced garlic and salt: Using minced garlic and salt separately allows for better control of the garlic flavor and saltiness in the dish.
Italian 5 cheese - Substitute with Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese can provide a rich, nutty flavor and a sharp taste, enhancing the overall cheesiness of the dish.
Best Way to Present This Chicken and Rice Bake
Elevate the plating: As a chef, presentation is key. Consider using a ring mold to create a neat and elegant presentation of the chicken and rice bake. This will give the dish a refined and professional look.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a pop of color and freshness to the dish by garnishing with finely chopped parsley or chives. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a layer of flavor to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element to the dish, such as toasted breadcrumbs or almonds. This will provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy chicken and rice bake.
Use high-quality cookware: When presenting the dish, opt for elegant and high-quality serving dishes or ramekins to showcase the sophistication of the chicken and rice bake.
Drizzle with a reduction: Create a beautiful and flavorful drizzle using a reduction of balsamic vinegar or butter to add a touch of luxury and depth of flavor to the dish.
Essential Tools for Making a Delicious Bake
- Skillet: A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It is an essential tool for cooking the chicken and broccoli in this recipe.
- Baking dish: A baking dish is a deep, oven-safe dish used for baking savory or sweet dishes. It's necessary for baking the chicken and rice casserole.
- Spoon: A spoon is used for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the skillet and for spooning the mixture into the baking dish.
- Oven: The oven is used for baking the chicken and rice casserole to perfection.
- Knife: A knife is used for cutting the chicken into pieces and preparing the broccoli florets.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used for combining the ingredients such as cream cheese, milk, and seasonings before adding them to the skillet.
- Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used for accurately measuring the chicken broth, rice, and other liquid ingredients in the recipe.
- Cheese grater: A cheese grater is used for grating the Italian 5 cheese to top the chicken and rice casserole before baking.
How To Store and Freeze Chicken and Rice Bake
Let the chicken and rice bake cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the chicken and rice bake. Wrap the cooled dish tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with a layer of aluminum foil. Label the dish with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat from frozen, remove the plastic wrap and foil, then cover the dish with new foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until heated through. You can also thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
If you want to freeze individual portions, cut the cooled casserole into serving-sized pieces and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This way, you can easily reheat single servings as needed.
When reheating leftovers, be sure to check that the chicken is heated through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illness.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover chicken and rice bake to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dish is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to crisp up and become golden brown.
For a quicker method, use the microwave. Place a portion of the leftover chicken and rice bake in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of chicken broth or water to help maintain moisture. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent for steam to escape). Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the dish is heated through.
If you have a large amount of leftovers, consider reheating them in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the leftover chicken and rice bake and stir occasionally until it is heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the dish from drying out.
For a crispy texture, reheat the leftover chicken and rice bake in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place a portion of the leftovers in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the dish is heated through and the top is crispy.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to consume. If the dish seems dry after reheating, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to add moisture and tanginess.
Random Fact about Chicken and Rice Bake
Chicken and rice bake is a versatile dish that can be customized with various ingredients such as different vegetables, spices, and cheeses to suit individual preferences.
Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This chicken and rice bake recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found and affordable, making it a budget-friendly option. The combination of chicken, broccoli, and rice provides a hearty and satisfying meal for a family of four. The total cost for the ingredients is approximately $15, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict for this recipe is 8/10, considering its affordability, simplicity, and delicious outcome.
Is This Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This chicken and rice bake recipe has some healthy elements, but it also contains ingredients that may not be considered nutritious. Let's break it down:
Healthy aspects:
- Chicken breast is a lean protein source
- Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Using chicken broth instead of cream or excessive butter reduces the overall fat content
Less healthy aspects:
- Cream cheese and Italian 5 cheese add significant amounts of saturated fat and calories to the dish
- Instant white rice is a refined carbohydrate, lacking the fiber and nutrients found in whole grain options
- The recipe doesn't specify the amount of garlic salt and pepper, which could lead to high sodium content if used excessively
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the cream cheese with a lower-fat alternative, such as Greek yogurt or light cream cheese
- Reduce the amount of Italian 5 cheese or opt for a lower-fat cheese variety
- Swap instant white rice for brown rice or quinoa to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the dish's salt content
- Increase the proportion of broccoli or add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to boost the overall nutrient profile
- Use a combination of herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, and dried basil, to enhance flavor without relying heavily on salt
By making these adjustments, you can transform this chicken and rice bake into a more balanced and nutritious meal that still satisfies your taste buds.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Recipe
This chicken and rice bake recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy rice, all baked to perfection with a generous topping of Italian cheese. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. The addition of cream cheese adds a rich and luxurious texture, while the Italian seasoning and garlic salt infuse the dish with a delightful aroma. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful choice for a hearty and delicious meal that will surely become a family favorite.
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Why trust this Chicken Rice Bake Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of chicken and rice, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal. The use of broccoli adds a nutritious element, while the creamy texture from cream cheese and the blend of Italian seasoning infuse the dish with rich, savory flavors. The incorporation of chicken broth ensures a moist and tender result, while the topping of Italian 5 cheese adds a deliciously gooey finish. Trust in the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe, and you'll be rewarded with a comforting and satisfying meal.
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