Are you ready to discover a comforting dish that will make your weeknight dinners a breeze? The Brown Rice Chicken Bake is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will leave your family asking for seconds! With just 10 minutes of prep time and a rich, creamy texture, this one-pan wonder combines wholesome ingredients like tender chicken, hearty brown rice, and vibrant mixed vegetables, making it not only delicious but also nutritious. Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and unlock the secrets to a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy evenings!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the uncooked brown rice, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well mixed and the rice is evenly coated.
- Spread the rice mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base layer.
- Distribute the shredded cooked chicken evenly over the rice mixture, ensuring good coverage.
- Scatter the mixed vegetables over the chicken, creating a colorful and nutritious layer.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and help the rice cook evenly.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the top to slightly crisp and brown.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the rice mixture and layer the ingredients in the baking dish a few hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Broccoli, bell peppers, or peas work wonderfully in this dish.
- Add Extra Flavor: For a flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of your favorite herbs or spices, such as thyme or Italian seasoning, to the rice mixture before baking.
- Check for Doneness: If you find the rice isn’t quite tender after 45 minutes, cover it back up and give it an additional 5-10 minutes in the oven. The cooking time can vary based on your oven and the type of brown rice used.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together and ensures that the rice absorbs any remaining liquid for a perfect texture.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
