This creamy rice, chicken, and spinach dinner is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken breasts with velvety cream cheese, hearty brown rice, and fresh spinach. It's an easy, one-pan meal that offers robust flavors and a delightful mix of textures perfect for any night of the week.
Photos of Creamy Rice, Chicken and Spinach Dinner Recipe
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found, you may need to make a special trip to the supermarket for the Kraft roasted red pepper Italian with Parmesan dressing and the Philadelphia cream cheese. These specialty items add unique depth and creaminess to the dish, so be sure to pick them up.
Ingredients For Creamy Rice, Chicken, And Spinach Dinner
kraft roasted red pepper italian with parmesan dressing: This dressing adds a flavorful and tangy twist to the dish, infusing the chicken with a unique taste.
chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts provide a lean source of protein, perfect for this hearty meal.
chicken broth: Adds moisture and a savory base to cook the rice and meld the flavors together.
instant brown rice: A quick-cooking, nutritious whole grain that absorbs the flavors of the broth and dressing.
philadelphia cream cheese: This creamy cheese melts into the rice, creating a luscious and rich consistency.
baby spinach leaves: Fresh spinach adds a burst of color and a nutritious green element to the dish.
tomato: Adds a fresh and juicy component, balancing the creaminess of the rice and cheese.
kraft grated parmesan cheese: A finishing touch that adds a salty, nutty flavor to the final dish.
One reader, Flynn Catalano says:
This creamy rice, chicken, and spinach dinner recipe is a delightful blend of flavors. The cream cheese adds a rich texture, while the spinach and tomatoes bring freshness. It's easy to make and perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required
How to heat dressing: Heat the dressing in a Dutch oven or large deep skillet on medium-high heat until it is hot and ready for cooking. How to cook chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the heated dressing and cook for 3 minutes until they start to brown. How to bring broth to boil: Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring it to a boil before adding the rice. How to cook rice: Stir in the instant brown rice and return the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to medium, simmering for 5 minutes. How to melt cream cheese: Add the cream cheese to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until it is melted. How to wilt spinach: Add the baby spinach leaves to the skillet, cover, and cook for 1 minute until the spinach is wilted. How to let stand covered: Remove the pan from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. How to stir in tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes gently and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
How To Make Creamy Rice, Chicken and Spinach Dinner
Cook some loaded skillet with this creamy rice and chicken recipe. It’s made with brown rice, spinach, and tomatoes, topped with Parmesan.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¼cupKRAFT Roasted Red Pepper Italian with Parmesan Dressing
- 1lbchicken breasts,boneless skinless cut into wide strips
- 1½cupschicken broth,fat-free, reduced-sodium
- 2cupsinstant brown rice,uncooked
- 4ozPHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese,⅓ Less Fat, cubed
- 8ozbaby spinach leaves,(1 package)
- 1large tomato,chopped
- 2tbspKRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
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Heat dressing in a Dutch oven or large deep skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3 minutes.
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Add broth, then bring to boil. Stir in rice and return to boil. Cover. Reduce heat to medium, then simmer for 5 min.
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Add cream cheese and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until melted, stirring frequently. Add spinach. (Pan will be full.)
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Cook covered for 1 minute or until spinach is wilted. Stir gently to mix in spinach.
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Remove pan from heat. Let stand covered for 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Calories: 742.91kcal
- Fat: 27.72g
- Saturated Fat: 11.62g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.29g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.94g
- Carbohydrates: 80.69g
- Fiber: 4.94g
- Sugar: 3.69g
- Protein: 41.66g
- Cholesterol: 115.94mg
- Sodium: 545.96mg
- Calcium: 299.35mg
- Potassium: 1058.00mg
- Iron: 4.60mg
- Vitamin A: 442.80µg
- Vitamin C: 21.38mg
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When adding the spinach to the pan, make sure to add it in batches if necessary. This allows the spinach to wilt evenly and prevents overcrowding, ensuring that all the leaves are cooked properly.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-cook the chicken: Cook the chicken breasts in advance and store them in the fridge. This will save you time when you start the recipe.
Use pre-washed spinach: Buy baby spinach leaves that are already washed and ready to use. This eliminates the need for washing and drying.
Instant rice: Opt for instant brown rice to cut down on cooking time. It cooks faster than regular rice.
Pre-diced tomatoes: Use pre-diced tomatoes to save the time you would spend chopping.
Softened cream cheese: Soften the cream cheese beforehand to make it easier to mix in.
Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Rice, Chicken and Spinach Dinner Recipe
kraft roasted red pepper italian with parmesan dressing - Substitute with balsamic vinaigrette: Balsamic vinaigrette provides a tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
kraft roasted red pepper italian with parmesan dressing - Substitute with homemade roasted red pepper dressing: Blend roasted red peppers with olive oil, garlic, and a bit of parmesan for a similar taste.
chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and can be cooked in the same way as chicken.
chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, tofu provides a good source of protein and absorbs flavors well.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian version of the dish.
chicken broth - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth can add a richer flavor to the dish.
instant brown rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa cooks quickly and provides a nutty flavor and additional protein.
instant brown rice - Substitute with farro: Farro has a chewy texture and nutty flavor that complements the dish.
philadelphia cream cheese - Substitute with greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides creaminess with less fat and more protein.
philadelphia cream cheese - Substitute with cottage cheese: Cottage cheese can be blended to achieve a similar creamy texture.
baby spinach leaves - Substitute with kale: Kale is a hearty green that holds up well in cooking and provides a similar nutritional profile.
baby spinach leaves - Substitute with swiss chard: Swiss chard has a slightly different flavor but works well in cooked dishes.
large tomato - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes can be halved and provide a burst of sweetness.
large tomato - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are convenient and add a similar flavor and texture.
kraft grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar texture and a slightly stronger flavor.
kraft grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a good option for vegans.
Best Way to Present This Dish
Serve in a shallow, wide-rimmed bowl: This allows the creamy rice and chicken to spread out, showcasing the vibrant colors of the spinach and tomato.
Layer the ingredients: Start with a base of creamy rice, then place the chicken pieces on top. Arrange the wilted spinach around the chicken for a balanced look.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil to enhance the visual appeal and add a burst of freshness.
Drizzle with extra dressing: Lightly drizzle a bit more of the roasted red pepper Italian dressing around the edge of the bowl for added flavor and a professional touch.
Use a microplane for the parmesan: Instead of sprinkling the grated parmesan cheese directly, use a microplane to finely grate it over the dish, creating a delicate, airy texture.
Add a pop of color with tomato: Dice the tomato into small, uniform pieces and scatter them over the top, ensuring they are evenly distributed for a burst of color and freshness.
Finish with a touch of black pepper: Grind fresh black pepper over the entire dish to add a subtle spice and enhance the overall presentation.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Dutch oven: A large, heavy-duty pot with a tight-fitting lid, perfect for cooking the chicken and rice mixture evenly.
Large deep skillet: An alternative to the Dutch oven, providing ample space for all ingredients to cook thoroughly.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the dressing, broth, and rice to ensure the recipe's success.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients without scratching the surface of your cookware.
Knife: Necessary for chopping the chicken breasts and dicing the tomato.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for preparing the chicken and tomato.
Lid: Used to cover the Dutch oven or skillet, helping to simmer the rice and wilt the spinach.
Measuring spoons: Useful for measuring the grated parmesan cheese accurately.
Spatula: Handy for gently mixing in the spinach and tomatoes without crushing them.
Tongs: Helpful for turning the chicken breasts while cooking to ensure they are evenly browned.
Serving spoon: Perfect for serving the creamy rice, chicken, and spinach dish once it's ready.
How To Store / Freeze This Dish
Refrigeration:
- Allow the creamy rice, chicken, and spinach dinner to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the dish into an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of chicken broth if the dish appears dry.
Freezing:
- Cool the creamy rice, chicken, and spinach dinner completely before freezing.
- Divide the dish into portion-sized containers or freezer bags.
- Label each container with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
- To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of chicken broth or water to maintain creaminess.
Reheating Tips:
- For microwave reheating, place the portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
- For stovetop reheating, place the thawed dish in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to restore the creamy texture.
Additional Tips:
- Avoid freezing the tomatoes if possible, as they can become mushy. Instead, add fresh tomatoes after reheating.
- If the spinach becomes too wilted after freezing and reheating, consider adding a handful of fresh spinach to the dish just before serving for a burst of freshness.
How To Reheat Leftovers
- Start by transferring the leftover creamy rice, chicken, and spinach dinner to an oven-safe dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the chicken from drying out and to keep the rice moist. Place the dish in the oven and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Alternatively, you can reheat the dish on the stovetop. Place the leftovers in a large skillet or saucepan. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help rehydrate the rice and spinach. Cover and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- For a quicker option, use the microwave. Transfer the leftovers to a microwave-safe dish. Add a small amount of chicken broth or water, then cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the dish is evenly heated.
- If you find the cream cheese sauce has thickened too much during reheating, you can add a little more chicken broth or a splash of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Once reheated, give the dish a gentle stir to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed. If desired, sprinkle a bit more grated parmesan cheese on top before serving to enhance the flavor.
Random Fact About This Recipe
A unique aspect of this creamy rice, chicken, and spinach dinner recipe is the use of Philadelphia cream cheese to create a rich and velvety texture. This ingredient not only enhances the creaminess of the dish but also adds a subtle tanginess that complements the savory flavors of the chicken and spinach.
Is This Dish Economical for Home Cooking?
This creamy rice, chicken, and spinach dinner recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like chicken breasts, instant brown rice, and baby spinach leaves are affordable and widely available. The use of kraft roasted red pepper italian dressing and philadelphia cream cheese adds a gourmet touch without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $15-$20 USD.
Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe has a mix of healthy and less healthy elements. The chicken breasts provide lean protein, and the spinach and tomatoes add valuable vitamins and minerals. However, the use of instant brown rice, cream cheese, and a dressing high in sodium and fats can be concerning. Instant brown rice, while convenient, often has a higher glycemic index than regular brown rice. The cream cheese adds unnecessary saturated fats, and the dressing may contain added sugars and preservatives.
- Swap instant brown rice for regular brown rice or quinoa to lower the glycemic index.
- Use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese to reduce saturated fat content.
- Replace the Kraft dressing with a homemade version using olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and roasted red peppers to cut down on sodium and preservatives.
- Increase the amount of spinach and tomatoes to boost fiber and nutrient content.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more variety and nutrients.
- Use fresh grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged to avoid additives.
- Consider reducing the portion size of the chicken and adding more plant-based proteins like chickpeas or lentils for a balanced meal.
Editor's Thoughts on This Recipe
This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The roasted red pepper Italian dressing adds a tangy depth to the chicken, while the cream cheese ensures a rich, creamy consistency. Instant brown rice makes it quick and convenient, and the addition of fresh spinach and tomatoes provides a burst of color and nutrients. The final touch of grated parmesan cheese enhances the overall savory profile. It's a well-rounded, easy-to-follow dish perfect for a weeknight dinner, though using fresh herbs could elevate it even further.
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Why trust this Creamy Rice, Chicken and Spinach Dinner Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich flavors of roasted red pepper Italian dressing and Philadelphia cream cheese with the wholesome goodness of instant brown rice and baby spinach leaves. The chicken breasts are cooked to perfection, ensuring a tender and juicy bite every time. The addition of fresh tomato and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a delightful burst of flavor. Trust this recipe for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
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