This Garlic Chicken Rice Bake is a simple yet delicious one-pan dish. Featuring tender chicken, savory garlic, and fluffy rice, this easy-to-make meal is baked to perfection. It’s a flavorful, comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is lightly browned.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Stir in the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cover the skillet or baking dish with a lid or foil, and transfer to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Remove from the oven, and if you like, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Use Brown Rice: If you prefer brown rice, simply increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes and ensure you use the correct rice-to-broth ratio.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for some heat.
Lemon Zest: For a fresh, zesty flavor, add some lemon zest before serving.
Herb Variations: Switch out the thyme and oregano for herbs like rosemary or basil if you prefer.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until hot. If the rice looks dry, add a splash of chicken broth before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but I recommend thawing them before cooking to ensure they cook evenly.
Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can substitute long-grain white rice with other types, like jasmine or basmati. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this dish in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it when ready to serve. It also reheats well for meal prep.
Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a delicious creamy, cheesy flavor. You can skip it or substitute it with another cheese like mozzarella.
Can I cook this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook it in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
Conclusion
This Garlic Chicken Rice Bake is a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s easy to prepare, packed with savory goodness, and can be customized to suit your tastes. I love how the one-pan method makes cleanup a breeze, leaving me with more time to enjoy this delicious dish with my family.
Recipe:
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Garlic Chicken Rice Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Chicken Rice Bake is an easy, one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken, garlic, and savory rice. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this flavorful recipe can be customized with vegetables or cheese for added richness. It’s a quick, comforting dish that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is lightly browned.
-
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
-
Stir in the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
-
Cover the skillet or baking dish with a lid or foil, and transfer to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
-
Remove from the oven, and if you like, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
-
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Use brown rice if preferred, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Lemon zest adds a refreshing, zesty finish.
Optional Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor, but can be skipped or substituted with mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
