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Easy Budget-Friendly Chicken and Rice Bake

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A simple, no-fuss chicken and rice bake that’s quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for family meals. Tender chicken and flavorful rice cooked together in one pan for a comforting dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Pat dry chicken thighs or breasts and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme on both sides.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add rinsed rice and frozen peas or mixed veggies to the skillet. Stir to coat rice in oil and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Transfer rice mixture to a 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading evenly.
  7. Pour chicken broth over the rice mixture and gently stir to combine. Arrange browned chicken pieces on top.
  8. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
  9. If using cheese, remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 5-7 minutes until melted and bubbly.
  10. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Notes

Brown the chicken before baking to lock in juices and flavor. Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels. Cover tightly with foil to trap steam and prevent rice from drying out. Rinse rice well to avoid mushiness. If broth evaporates too quickly, add a splash of water and cover again. Can substitute brown rice with longer cooking time and more broth. Cheese topping is optional but adds a delicious finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and rice bake, easy chicken recipe, budget-friendly dinner, one-pan meal, family dinner, quick chicken bake

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/easy-budget-friendly-chicken-and-rice-bake-recipe-for-quick-family-meals/