Planning wholesome meals after a long day at work is one of our biggest modern challenges. So skip the drive-thru and make a comforting weekday dinner with this creamy chicken and rice bake. It’s quick, delicious, and a terrific leftover. Take advantage of this and other easy one-pot recipes with these expert tips that are far from boring.
Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake
Image via Flickr by Corey Ann
One-pot meals like this classic creamy chicken and rice bake make weekday dinners easier, and its gooey layer of melted cheese makes this dish a winner, even for your family’s pickiest eaters. Thanks to staples like Campbell’s soup, everything goes in one pot, uncooked, and there’s zero prep work. The soup melts into a flavourful sauce, ensuring moist chicken and creamy rice are hot from the oven every time. Just toss all the ingredients in a pan and bake.
Start with one can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, a cup of water, and rice. Toss in a few thawed or canned veggies, like diced carrots, baby peas, and celery, then season with onion powder and black pepper. Place the mixture in a shallow 2-quart baking dish, then top with four chicken breasts seasoned with a dash of salt and pepper.
Cover and bake at 375°F for about 45 minutes, or until the meat achieves a safe temperature and the rice is tender. Remove the chicken and sprinkle each breast with a handful of your favourite shredded cheese, like a mild cheddar, then stir the rice dish before serving.
Try an Italian Twist
There are endless ways to customize Campbell’s traditional chicken and rice bake recipe. When you add just a few secret ingredients, you can really liven it up. For an Italian twist, use broccoli florets for the vegetable, then add a couple of tablespoons of grated Parmesan and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the soup mixture. Don’t forget to sprinkle a handful of Parmesan on top of each chicken breast, too.
Host a Fiesta on Your Plate
Your whole family will love the Mexican version of Campbell’s famous one-pot chicken and rice bake. Tempt your taste buds by swapping the onion powder with a teaspoon of taco seasoning or chili and adding some seasoned corn to the pan. Top the chicken breasts with a Mexican cheese blend, and don’t forget a dollop of sour cream and a cilantro garnish.
Make It French-Inspired
This one-pot chicken and rice recipe is for anyone who loves the flavours of France. It’s a quick and convenient meal you can make with chicken stock instead of water, a splash of white wine, and a dash of thyme. With this saucy version, you can add as many veggies as you like to help get you the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s recommended daily servings. We like to use dark leafy greens like spinach or kale.
Make a comforting weekday dinner with this creamy chicken and rice bake and other easy one-pot recipes. We’ve got the tips to make it a foolproof solution for a quick and tasty dinner that the family will want every week.
