Savory Chicken & Spinach Rice Bake
Transform your leftover rice and chicken into a comforting and flavorful dish with this Savory Chicken & Spinach Rice Bake. Inspired by a classic Mollie Katzen recipe, this delightful pie combines tender basmati or jasmine rice with sautéed onions, garlic, and spices, creating a rich base that's complemented by fresh spinach and shredded chicken. The addition of yogurt, egg, and bright lemon zest binds the ingredients beautifully while adding moisture and flavor. Perfect for a wholesome luncheon or a cozy supper, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy your family and friends. Garnished with pine nuts or pomegranate seeds, it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Basmati or Jasmine Rice
3 cups (uncooked)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
Onions
4 cups (chopped)
Salt
2 teaspoons (divided)
Garlic
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Ground Cumin
2 teaspoons (spice)
Ground Coriander
1/2 teaspoon (spice)
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (ground spice)
Fresh Spinach
1 lb (cleaned, stemmed, and coarsely chopped)
Low-Fat Plain Yogurt
2 cups (for binding)
Large Egg
1 (beaten)
Lemon Zest
1 tablespoon (grated)
Fresh Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (juiced)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Cooked Chicken
1.5 to 2 cups (bones and skin removed, shredded)
Raisins
1/2 cup (optional)
Butter
for greasing (to butter the baking dish)
Pine Nuts or Pomegranate Seeds
for garnish (suggested)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Chicken & Spinach Rice Bake?
This dish is a comforting casserole-style bake made with tender basmati or jasmine rice, shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a blend of savory spices, bound together with yogurt and egg.
What kind of rice is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for three cups of uncooked Basmati or Jasmine rice.
Who inspired this Savory Chicken & Spinach Rice Bake recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a classic dish by chef and cookbook author Mollie Katzen.
Can I use leftover chicken for this dish?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to help transform leftover chicken into a new, flavorful meal.
How much chicken is required?
You will need between 1.5 to 2 cups of cooked chicken, with bones and skin removed, then shredded.
What spices are used to flavor the rice bake?
The primary spices include ground cumin, ground coriander, and a touch of nutmeg.
What role does yogurt play in this recipe?
Two cups of low-fat plain yogurt are used to bind the ingredients together while adding moisture and a rich texture.
Is there an egg in the recipe?
Yes, one large beaten egg is included to help bind the rice and chicken mixture.
How is the fresh spinach prepared?
The recipe calls for one pound of fresh spinach that has been cleaned, stemmed, and coarsely chopped.
How many onions are used in the Savory Chicken & Spinach Rice Bake?
The recipe requires four cups of chopped onions, which are sautéed with garlic and spices.
Is there garlic in this recipe?
Yes, two tablespoons of chopped garlic are used to provide a savory depth of flavor.
Does the recipe include any citrus?
Yes, both one tablespoon of grated lemon zest and one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice are added for brightness.
Are there any optional ingredients I can add?
Yes, you can optionally add half a cup of raisins for a touch of sweetness.
What are the recommended garnishes?
The recipe suggests garnishing the finished dish with pine nuts or pomegranate seeds for extra texture and color.
What kind of oil should I use for cooking?
Two tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil are recommended for sautéing the onions and garlic.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
You should use butter to grease the baking dish before adding the rice mixture.
Is this dish suitable for lunch?
Absolutely, it is described as perfect for a wholesome luncheon or a cozy supper.
Is this a Greek-style recipe?
One of the tags associated with this recipe is 'greek,' likely due to the combination of spinach, yogurt, and lemon.
Can I use this recipe to meal prep?
Yes, as a rice bake or casserole, it is an excellent option for using up leftovers and can be served for multiple meals.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe uses two teaspoons of salt, which are divided throughout the cooking process.
What is the texture of the dish?
The dish has a rich, moist, and tender texture thanks to the combination of yogurt, egg, and sautéed vegetables mixed with rice.
Can I make this vegetarian?
While this specific version uses chicken, you could omit the chicken to create a savory spinach and rice bake.
Is pepper used in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper is added to taste.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a casserole or rice bake, often served as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, the recipe is tagged and described as a comforting and flavorful dish.
How much nutmeg is in the dish?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 18 ingredients in total for the Savory Chicken & Spinach Rice Bake.
What makes the dish visually appealing?
The use of fresh green spinach, golden pine nuts, or bright red pomegranate seeds as a garnish makes it very visually appealing.
Is the chicken used raw or cooked?
The chicken must be cooked before being added to the bake.
Can I use jasmine rice instead of basmati?
Yes, the recipe allows for either Basmati or Jasmine rice.