Comfort Food Classic: Easy Chicken and Rice Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Easy Chicken and Rice recipe. This timeless dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauces, and fluffy rice for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a delicious dinner that will warm your soul and fill your belly. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this comforting classic!

Ingredients:

1 (10 1/2 ounce) can of cream of mushroom soup*
2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans of cream of chicken soup*
1 cup raw rice
3/4 cup water
4-6 skinless chicken breasts (not cooked), or chicken strips
Salt, pepper, and paprika

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Rice Mixture: In a baking dish, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, raw rice, and water. Stir until well mixed.
Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or strips with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
Arrange Chicken on Top: Place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish.
Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
Check for Doneness: After 1 hour, remove the foil and check to ensure the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. If needed, continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Easy Chicken and Rice straight from the oven!

Cook Notes and Variations:

Add Vegetables: Add frozen vegetables such as peas, carrots, or green beans to the rice mixture for added color and nutrition.
Cheesy Version: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and rice during the last 15 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.
Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor by adding dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the rice mixture before baking.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

Substitute the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups with homemade keto-friendly versions made with heavy cream, chicken broth, and low-carb thickeners such as xanthan gum or guar gum.
Replace the raw rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Adjust the baking time accordingly as cauliflower rice may cook faster than regular rice.
Use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a higher fat content and richer flavor.

Low-Carb Version:

Opt for reduced-fat or fat-free versions of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups to reduce the overall fat content.
Replace the raw rice with cooked quinoa or riced cauliflower for a lower-carb option.
Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins for a leaner protein source.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use different types of soup? A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different varieties of cream soups such as cream of celery, cream of broccoli, or cream of onion to customize the flavor to your liking.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a flavorful and budget-friendly alternative to chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

Q: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker by combining all the ingredients in the crockpot and cooking on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave or oven.

Experience the nostalgic comfort of Easy Chicken and Rice with this simple and satisfying recipe. Whether enjoyed for a cozy family dinner or shared with friends at a potluck gathering, this dish is sure to evoke feelings of warmth and contentment. With its creamy texture, flavorful chicken, and fluffy rice, it’s a meal that never goes out of style.

So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the delightful flavors of this timeless classic. From busy weeknights to lazy Sundays, Easy Chicken and Rice is the perfect meal for any occasion. Give it a try and see why it’s a favorite in households everywhere!