A Cozy, No-Fuss Dinner You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
Introduction
When you need a meal that practically cooks itself, this One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake delivers pure comfort with minimal effort. Everything — the tender chicken, flavorful rice, and creamy sauce — bakes together in one dish, creating a hearty, satisfying meal with almost zero cleanup.
It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” dinner. Just toss everything into your baking dish, pop it in the oven, and enjoy the comforting aroma of home-cooked goodness filling your kitchen. Ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or lazy Sundays when you want something warm, cozy, and effortless.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One dish = no mess: Fewer dishes, more flavor.
- Perfect for busy nights: No stovetop steps or fancy prep.
- Hearty and comforting: Creamy rice and juicy chicken baked to perfection.
- Customizable: Add veggies, cheese, or different seasonings.
- Family-friendly: Mild, creamy flavor that everyone loves.
⏱️ Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
🍲 Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
🥣 Instructions
- Preheat oven:
Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Mix the base:
In the baking dish, whisk together uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, water, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. - Add chicken:
Nestle chicken breasts into the rice mixture. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a bit more paprika and pepper for color. - Bake:
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. - Uncover and finish:
Remove the foil, sprinkle with cheddar cheese if using, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until cheese melts and the rice is tender. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Pair with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a fresh garden salad.
- Add mushrooms, peas, or broccoli to the rice mixture for extra flavor.
- Serve with garlic bread or buttery rolls for a complete meal.
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until hot.
- Freeze (before baking) for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.