Oven-Baked Chicken Rice Bake Recipe for Easy Comfort

Savory chicken rice bake revolutionizes ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that warms both stomach and soul.

Home cooks adore this comforting dish for its simplicity and robust flavors.

Rich, hearty meals like these connect families around the dinner table with minimal preparation time.

Tender proteins meld seamlessly with fluffy grains, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Nutritious and satisfying, this recipe offers a perfect balance of protein and complex carbohydrates for hungry households.

Weeknight dinner solutions rarely come as delicious and straightforward as this classic one-pan wonder.

Prepare to elevate your meal planning with a crowd-pleasing recipe that promises smiles and second helpings.

What Makes Savory Chicken Rice Bake a Family Favorite

• Minimize Kitchen Effort: This one-dish wonder requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy cooking days.
• Create Creamy Comfort: The rich blend of cream soups and chicken broth creates an incredibly smooth, satisfying sauce that coats every bite with luxurious flavor.
• Transform Simple Ingredients: Ordinary chicken and rice are magically elevated into a restaurant-worthy meal using just a few pantry staples and smart layering techniques.
• Total Hands-Off Cooking: The bake-and-forget method allows you to pop the dish in the oven and walk away, letting the oven do all the hard work while you relax or handle other tasks.

Ingredients That Go into Chicken Rice Bake

• Chicken Fillets: Juicy protein source that absorbs flavors and becomes tender during baking, look for fresh or thawed chicken without discoloration.

• Uncooked Rice: Absorbs liquid and creates a soft, fluffy base for the casserole, long-grain white rice works best for even cooking.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that adds rich flavor and helps bind ingredients, choose low-sodium versions for better control of salt content.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional moisture and enhances overall chicken flavor, use low-sodium for healthier option.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance chicken's natural taste, use freshly ground black pepper for more robust flavor.
• Onion Soup Mix: Adds depth of flavor and creates a savory crust on top, provides instant seasoning and texture.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish that adds color and mild herbal freshness, optional but recommended.

• Aluminum Foil: Covers dish during baking to retain moisture and prevent excessive browning.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken Rice Bake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Rice Base

Spread uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a soft foundation for the casserole.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Chicken broth

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and silky.

Step 4: Layer the First Sauce Level

Pour half of the creamy sauce mixture over the rice, ensuring an even coverage.

Step 5: Arrange the Chicken

Carefully place chicken fillets on top of the rice. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 6: Add the Final Sauce Layer

Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s completely blanketed. Generously sprinkle onion soup mix across the top for an extra flavor punch.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. For a golden, crispy top, remove the foil during the final 15 minutes of cooking.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finish by scattering fresh chopped parsley over the casserole for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting goodness!

Tips for the Most Flavorful Chicken Rice Bake

• Choose Long-Grain Rice: Select white long-grain rice for the best texture and even cooking throughout the dish.
• Layer Carefully: Spread rice and chicken evenly to ensure consistent flavor and prevent dry spots during baking.
• Season Generously: Don't be shy with salt and pepper; they enhance the chicken's natural flavors and make the entire casserole more delicious.
• Check Moisture Levels: If the dish looks dry during baking, add a splash of extra chicken broth to maintain juiciness and prevent burning.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow liquids to redistribute and flavors to settle.

Storing and Reheating Savory Chicken Rice Bake

• Refrigeration: Transfer cooled chicken rice bake into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. For best texture, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture.
• Freezing: Wrap the dish securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Sides Go Best with Chicken Rice Bake

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A refreshing chardonnay or sauvignon blanc cuts through the creamy richness of the chicken rice bake, balancing its hearty flavors with a light, zesty touch.
• Complement with Fresh Green Salad: A crisp mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a bright, refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting casserole, adding a layer of freshness to the meal.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Side: Garlic-roasted broccoli or glazed carrots bring color, nutrition, and a caramelized sweetness that enhances the savory depth of the chicken and rice dish.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or artisan bread becomes the perfect vehicle for soaking up the delicious, creamy soup sauce, adding a delightful textural element to the meal.

Variations to Try for Chicken Rice Bake Fans

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace cream soups with Greek yogurt, add chopped olives, sundried tomatoes, and sprinkle feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in diced green chilies, swap onion soup mix with taco seasoning, top with pepper jack cheese, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Creamy Mushroom Forest: Incorporate sautéed fresh mushrooms, use wild rice blend instead of standard rice, and add a splash of white wine to the soup mixture for an earthy, rich taste.
• Herb Garden Classic: Blend fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage into the soup mixture, use herb-seasoned chicken breasts, and finish with a light sprinkle of fresh herb garnish for an aromatic experience.

Savory Chicken Rice Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired chicken rice bake delivers hearty comfort with zesty spices and tender chicken nestled in fluffy rice. Melted cheese and fresh cilantro create a mouthwatering one-dish meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets

Starches:

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Create an even layer of uncooked rice across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth until the mixture achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
4. Carefully distribute half of the soup mixture evenly over the rice layer, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Arrange chicken fillets on top of the rice and soup layer, then season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
6. Pour the remaining soup mixture over the chicken, making certain the meat is fully submerged and coated.
7. Sprinkle the onion soup mix uniformly across the top of the dish to add a robust seasoning element.
8. Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil, then transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
9. For a golden, crispy top, remove the foil during the final 15 minutes of baking.
10. Once removed from the oven, let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
11. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a vibrant, fresh touch.

Notes

• Elevate this one-pan meal by using high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth for deeper flavor without excess salt.
• Ensure chicken is fully submerged in the soup mixture to guarantee tender, moist meat that falls apart beautifully.
• Swap out regular rice for brown rice for added nutrition, but increase cooking time by 15-20 minutes to compensate.
• For a crispy top, consider adding breadcrumbs or crushed crackers during the last 15 minutes of uncovered baking.
• Leftovers stay fresh in an airtight container for 3-4 days, making this an excellent meal prep option for busy weeknights.
• Customize the dish by incorporating vegetables like diced carrots or frozen peas directly into the rice layer for extra nutrition.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg