Italian Herb-Infused Chicken and Rice Bake
Discover the delightful flavors of Italy with this Italian Herb-Infused Chicken and Rice Bake. This easy-to-make one-dish meal combines tender chicken breasts with fluffy rice, vibrant carrots, and broccoli, all enhanced by the zesty notes of Italian dressing and aromatic seasonings. It's not only a family favorite but also a meal that you can prepare in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The rice soaks up the delightful chicken bouillon, creating a savory base that makes every bite irresistible. Feel free to marinate the chicken in Italian dressing ahead of time for an extra flavor kick. Serve it straight from the oven for a colorful and hearty meal the whole family will adore.
5
Servings
168
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breast halves
4-5 (Boneless and skinless)
Italian salad dressing
1/3 cup (Store-bought or homemade)
uncooked rice
1 cup (Long-grain or medium-grain white rice)
frozen carrots and broccoli mix
1 (16 ounce) bag (Do not thaw)
French-fried onions
1 (2 7/8 ounce) can (Divided into two parts)
chicken bouillon
2 cups (Liquid form or made from bouillon cubes)
Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (Dried)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, half of the French-fried onions, and the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine evenly.
3
Pour the chicken bouillon over the rice mixture, ensuring the rice is evenly covered.
4
Arrange the chicken breast halves on top of the rice mixture in a single layer.
5
Drizzle the Italian salad dressing over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
6
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7
Remove the foil, and carefully place the frozen carrots and broccoli around the chicken, covering the rice as much as possible.
8
Continue baking uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
9
Sprinkle the remaining French-fried onions on top of the dish and return it to the oven for an additional 1-3 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.
10
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
5.2g
Fat
11.2g
Carbs
21g
Protein
1g
Fiber
0.6g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Italian Herb-Infused Chicken and Rice Bake?
It is a one-dish meal that combines tender chicken breasts, rice, carrots, and broccoli with Italian dressing and seasonings.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 5 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What type of chicken should be used?
The recipe calls for 4 to 5 boneless and skinless chicken breast halves.
Can I use uncooked rice for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 cup of uncooked long-grain or medium-grain white rice.
How much Italian dressing is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of either store-bought or homemade Italian salad dressing.
What size bag of frozen vegetables is needed?
A 16-ounce bag of frozen carrots and broccoli mix is required.
How many French-fried onions are needed?
One 2 7/8 ounce can of French-fried onions is used, divided into two parts.
How much chicken bouillon is used?
The recipe requires 2 cups of chicken bouillon, which can be liquid or made from cubes.
What amount of Italian seasoning should I add?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is the standard size for this recipe.
How are the French-fried onions incorporated?
Half of the onions are mixed with the rice initially, and the remaining half are used as a crispy topping at the end.
Should the rice be covered with liquid?
Yes, ensure the chicken bouillon is poured over the rice mixture so the rice is evenly covered.
How is the chicken prepared in the dish?
Arrange the chicken breast halves in a single layer on top of the rice mixture and drizzle with Italian dressing.
How long does the dish bake while covered?
The dish should be covered with aluminum foil and baked for 30 minutes.
Do I need to thaw the frozen vegetables before adding them?
No, do not thaw the frozen carrots and broccoli mix before adding them to the dish.
When do I add the frozen vegetables?
Remove the foil after the first 30 minutes of baking, then place the frozen vegetables around the chicken.
How long is the second stage of baking?
Bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked and rice is tender.
How do I finish the dish for a crispy topping?
Sprinkle the remaining French-fried onions on top and bake for 1-3 more minutes until golden.
Can I marinate the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken in Italian dressing ahead of time for an extra flavor kick.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 168 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 21g of protein.
What is the fat content of this meal?
The meal contains 5.2g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 11.2g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there fiber in this recipe?
Yes, each serving contains 1g of fiber.
How much sugar is in a serving?
There is approximately 0.6g of sugar per serving.
Is this dish considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal and a family favorite.
What kind of flavor profile does this dish have?
It has savory and zesty Italian flavors with aromatic herbs and savory chicken bouillon.
How should I serve this bake?
It should be served hot, straight from the oven after letting it cool slightly.
Can I use different types of white rice?
The recipe suggests long-grain or medium-grain white rice for the best results.