Homestyle Chicken Rice Bake (Print Version)

Tender chicken and creamy rice blend under a golden, crispy onion topping. Ideal for satisfying gatherings.

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 2 lbs)
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Rice & Sauce

04 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
05 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
06 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
07 - 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 1 cup whole milk
09 - 1 tsp garlic powder
10 - 1 tsp onion powder
11 - 1 tsp dried thyme
12 - 1/2 tsp paprika

→ Vegetables

13 - 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots, thawed

→ Crispy Topping

14 - 1 1/2 cups French fried onions

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine uncooked rice, condensed cream of chicken soup, condensed cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and paprika. Mix until smooth.
04 - Stir the thawed peas and carrots into the rice mixture.
05 - Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Nestle the seasoned chicken breasts into the rice mixture, spacing them evenly.
06 - Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
07 - Remove the aluminum foil. Sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
08 - Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just over an hour with minimal hands-on time
  • Uses pantry staples you likely already have
  • One-dish cleanup means less time in the kitchen
  • Customizable with different vegetables to please picky eaters
  • Perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights
02 -
  • Budget friendly at under $2 per serving
  • Can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance
  • Perfect for using leftover rotisserie chicken
  • Excellent source of protein with 32g per serving
  • Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months
03 -
  • For extra flavor, sauté a diced onion and two minced garlic cloves in butter before adding to the rice mixture instead of using the powders.
  • If your casserole seems dry during the final bake, drizzle 1/4 cup of warm chicken broth around the edges.
  • For a flavor boost, add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the rice mixture before baking.

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