Rustic Chicken and Rice Bake
This Rustic Chicken and Rice Bake is a beloved family recipe passed down through generations. It's a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender chicken thighs with creamy mushroom soup and fluffy rice, all baked to perfection. The aromatic infusion of Lipton's onion soup mix elevates the flavor profile, delivering a delightful taste in every bite. Don't let its simplicity fool you; this casserole is packed with flavor and is sure to become a fixture in your home. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or special occasions with guests, this dish is versatile and satisfying. Try it as is for a classic experience, or feel free to explore variations with added vegetables or smoked sausage. You'll find that each bite is a warm reminder of home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken thighs
4 ( Bone-in, skin-on)
Cream of mushroom soup
10.75 ( ounces)
Milk
1.33 ( cups (or fill one soup can))
Instant rice
1.33 ( cups (or fill one soup can))
Onion soup mix
1 ( (1 ounce) package)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly grease a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray or oil.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and instant rice. Mix lightly to combine, allowing some lumps of the soup to remain for texture.
4
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
5
Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the top of the rice mixture. Gently swirl it into the mixture with a spoon, but avoid fully mixing it in.
6
Season the skin of the chicken thighs lightly with seasoned salt for added flavor.
7
Arrange the chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, skin side up, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
8
Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
9
After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
10
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Rustic Chicken and Rice Bake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Chicken and Rice Bake?
It is a comforting, hearty casserole combining chicken thighs, creamy mushroom soup, and fluffy rice, flavored with onion soup mix.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for four bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor and juiciness.
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead?
Yes, but keep in mind that boneless breasts may cook faster and might be less moist than bone-in thighs.
Do I need to precook the rice?
No, the recipe uses instant rice which cooks in the oven with the soup and milk mixture.
What kind of soup is used in this bake?
A 10.75-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup is used to create the creamy base.
How much milk is required?
You need 1.33 cups of milk, which is approximately the volume of one empty soup can.
What provides the main seasoning for the rice?
One package of onion soup mix is swirled into the rice and soup mixture for an aromatic flavor profile.
Should I mix the onion soup mix completely?
No, you should gently swirl it into the rice mixture with a spoon but avoid fully mixing it in.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Lightly grease a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray or oil before adding ingredients.
Do I need to leave lumps in the soup mixture?
Yes, mixing the soup, milk, and rice lightly while allowing some lumps to remain helps provide a better texture.
How do I season the chicken thighs?
Season the skin of the chicken thighs lightly with seasoned salt before placing them on the rice.
How should the chicken be placed in the pan?
Arrange the chicken thighs skin side up on top of the rice mixture, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
Do I need to cover the pan while baking?
Yes, cover the pan with aluminum foil for the first 40 minutes of baking.
When do I remove the foil?
Remove the foil after the first 40 minutes and continue baking for another 20 minutes uncovered.
How long is the total baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 60 minutes.
How do I know the dish is done?
The chicken should be cooked through and the rice should be tender.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, allowing it to cool slightly helps the sauce set and makes it easier to serve.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can explore variations by adding vegetables like peas or green beans into the rice mixture.
Is it possible to add sausage?
Adding smoked sausage is a recommended variation for extra flavor.
What size pan is used?
The recipe is designed for a 9 x 9-inch baking pan.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: chicken thighs, cream of mushroom soup, milk, instant rice, and onion soup mix.
What kind of rice is used?
The recipe specifically calls for instant rice.
Can I use regular white rice?
Regular rice requires much more liquid and time; it is not recommended for this specific recipe without significant adjustments.
What is the origin of this recipe?
It is described as a beloved family recipe passed down through generations.
Is this a good weeknight meal?
Yes, its simplicity and minimal prep make it an ideal fixture for casual weeknight dinners.
Can this be served for special occasions?
Yes, it is versatile and satisfying enough to serve to guests for special occasions.
Is this considered a one-pan meal?
Yes, since the chicken and rice bake together in a single pan, it qualifies as a one-pan meal.
What is the 'rustic' element?
The name refers to its simple, home-style preparation and hearty, comforting nature.
What happens if I don't have seasoned salt?
You can use a mix of regular salt, pepper, and a bit of paprika or garlic powder as a substitute.