Are you craving a delicious, foolproof dinner that combines tender, juicy chicken with perfectly cooked rice in one incredible dish? Look no further! This Baked Chicken Breasts and Rice recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort. Imagine a one-pan wonder that delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen, with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Rice
- Chicken broth
- Onion, diced
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix diced onions, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until seasonings are well combined.
- Spread the rinsed rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Place chicken breasts on top of the rice, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Pour the seasoned chicken broth mixture over the chicken and rice, making sure to distribute evenly.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and sprinkle additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and ensure even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove foil during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to allow chicken to brown slightly.
- Once done, remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Tips
- Rice Preparation: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which helps prevent clumping and ensures fluffy, separated grains.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal juiciness.
- Moisture is Key: Covering the dish with foil during initial baking traps steam, ensuring your chicken stays moist and tender.
- Browning Technique: Remove the foil in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to allow the chicken to develop a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Resting Period: Let the dish rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, guaranteeing each bite is succulent and flavorful.
- Seasoning Hack: Don't be afraid to experiment with additional herbs like thyme, rosemary, or paprika to customize the flavor profile.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for batch cooking and quick weeknight meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 532kcal
Carbohydrates: 41g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 140mg
