Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake: A Comforting and Flavorful Dish
If youโre searching for a quick and satisfying meal that brings together the delicious flavors of chicken, rice, and creamy goodness, look no further than this Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also an excellent way to please your family or guests when time is of the essence. The combination of spices and creamy textures makes this bake a comforting favorite that everyone will love. So, letโs dive into the details of this delightful recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Name | Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake |
Prep Time | 15 minutes |
Cook Time | 50 minutes |
Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
Servings | 8 servings |
Recipe Category | Chicken |
Description | A quick, filling, and tasty dish featuring chicken and rice. Customize with different spices for varied flavors. |
Ingredients
To create this creamy delight, gather the following ingredients. The table below lists both the quantities and the ingredient parts required for this dish:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
12 | ounces of evaporated milk |
4 | ounces of cream cheese |
1 | cup of water |
ยฝ | teaspoon of garlic powder |
ยฝ | teaspoon of ground black pepper |
โ | teaspoon of chili powder (optional, for extra heat) |
10 | ounces of mixed frozen vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn) |
2 | cups of cooked chicken, shredded or diced |
1ยฝ | cups of cooked white rice |
ยฝ | cup of shredded cheddar cheese |
Nutritional Information
This recipe not only offers comforting flavors but also provides essential nutrients. Below is the nutritional information per serving:
Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 292.8 |
Total Fat | 14.9 g |
Saturated Fat | 7.4 g |
Cholesterol | 64.5 mg |
Sodium | 411.9 mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 22.3 g |
Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g |
Sugars | 0.7 g |
Protein | 16.5 g |
Instructions
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, itโs time to bring this dish to life. Follow these detailed instructions for a perfectly baked Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake:
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). This step is crucial to ensure that your dish cooks evenly.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with a little oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking, allowing for easy serving later.
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Mix the Base: In the greased baking dish, combine the evaporated milk and cream cheese using a wire whisk. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended, ensuring there are no lumps from the cream cheese.
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Add Flavorings: To the creamy base, add the condensed soup, water, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients well until they are thoroughly combined. If you prefer a bit of heat, you can also include chili powder at this stage.
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Incorporate the Goodies: Gently fold in the frozen vegetables, shredded or diced cooked chicken, and cooked white rice. Ensure that everything is well mixed and evenly distributed throughout the creamy base. The combination of textures and flavors is what makes this dish truly special.
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Cover and Bake: Once everything is combined, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step helps to keep moisture in, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while baking. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes.
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Add Cheese: After 35 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and rice mixture. The cheese will create a delicious, gooey topping.
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Finish Baking: Return the uncovered dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
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Let It Rest: Once out of the oven, let the dish stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.
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Serve and Enjoy: Scoop portions onto plates and enjoy your creamy chicken and rice bake! It pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations
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Spice It Up: Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor profile. Adding curry powder or smoked paprika can give the dish a delightful twist.
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Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with additional vegetables or cooked beans for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
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Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time. Simply follow the steps until the baking point, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When youโre ready to serve, bake directly from the fridge, adding extra baking time as needed.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner. With its creamy texture and delightful flavors, itโs sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Whether youโre looking for a quick meal or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Enjoy this comforting bake, and donโt hesitate to experiment with different spices and ingredients to make it your own!
Keywords
Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake, Chicken, Rice, Oven Bake, Easy Chicken Dinner, Quick Dinner Recipe, Comfort Food, Family Meal
By incorporating this recipe into your weekly meal rotation, you’ll always have a delicious and satisfying option at your fingertips. Happy cooking!