Southern Comfort Chicken Bake
Indulge in a plate of Southern Comfort Chicken Bake, where layers of flavor meld together to create the ultimate cozy meal. This dish, reminiscent of old-fashioned Southern hospitality, was originally crafted as a comforting solution for those in mourning. Each bite brings an explosion of flavors from crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy rice, all harmoniously seasoned with herbs and spices. While it carries the legacy of comfort food traditions and the delightful crunch of bacon, its allure lies in its inviting, rich aroma and the warmth it brings to your table. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or quiet dinners at home, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your culinary repertoire!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
6 slices (none)
white rice
1 cup (uncooked)
chicken breasts
3-4 (none)
regular condensed cream of chicken soup
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) (none)
water
1 cup (none)
oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
dried parsley flakes
3 tablespoons (none)
ground nutmeg
to taste (none)
garlic salt or garlic powder
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
2
In a 9x13-inch baking pan, line the bottom with 6 slices of bacon, ensuring they cover the entire surface.
3
Evenly spread 1 cup of uncooked white rice over the bacon.
4
Place 3 to 4 chicken breasts (or your preferred chicken parts) on top of the rice, ensuring even spacing.
5
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 3 tablespoons of dried parsley flakes, a pinch of ground nutmeg, and garlic salt/powder to taste. This magical mixture is key to enhancing the dish's flavor, so don't skip the nutmeg!
6
Pour the prepared mixture over the chicken and rice layers in the baking pan, ensuring everything is well coated.
7
Cover the dish tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil (or double layers of regular foil if heavy-duty isn't available, as per the recipe's guidance).
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Comfort Chicken Bake?
It is a cozy, comforting Southern meal featuring layers of bacon, rice, and chicken baked in a creamy, seasoned sauce.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include bacon slices, uncooked white rice, chicken breasts, condensed cream of chicken soup, water, and various herbs and spices.
How do I prepare the base layer of the dish?
Line the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking pan with 6 slices of bacon, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
What kind of rice should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked white rice spread evenly over the bacon layer.
Do I need to cook the rice before baking?
No, the rice should be uncooked as it will cook in the oven with the added liquids.
How many chicken breasts are needed?
You will need 3 to 4 chicken breasts or your preferred chicken parts.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
How long does the Southern Comfort Chicken Bake take to cook?
The dish requires 2 hours of baking in the preheated oven.
What is the significance of the nutmeg in this recipe?
Nutmeg is described as a magical ingredient that is key to enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
How should the baking pan be covered?
The dish must be covered tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil to ensure proper cooking.
What can I use if I do not have heavy-duty aluminum foil?
You can use double layers of regular aluminum foil to achieve a tight seal.
What herbs are used in the seasoning mixture?
The seasoning mixture includes 1 teaspoon of oregano and 3 tablespoons of dried parsley flakes.
How is the sauce prepared?
Whisk together cream of chicken soup, water, oregano, parsley, nutmeg, and garlic salt or powder in a mixing bowl.
Can I use different parts of the chicken?
Yes, while chicken breasts are suggested, you can use your preferred chicken parts.
What size baking pan is required?
A standard 9x13-inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
What is the historical origin of this dish?
This recipe was originally crafted as a comforting solution for those in mourning, emphasizing Southern hospitality.
What type of soup is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses one 10 3/4 ounce can of regular condensed cream of chicken soup.
How should I season the dish for saltiness?
You can add garlic salt or garlic powder to the sauce mixture to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is considered perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or quiet dinners at home.
What texture does the chicken have after baking?
The chicken becomes tender as it bakes for two hours, allowing flavors to meld perfectly.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal because the protein, starch, and sauce are cooked together in one pan.
How much water is added to the soup mixture?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of water to be mixed with the condensed soup.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include comfort food, one dish meal, southern cuisine, chicken recipes, and easy recipes.
Do I need to grease the pan?
The recipe does not specify greasing the pan, as the bacon slices provide a natural non-stick layer.
What is the aroma of this dish like?
The dish is known for its inviting, rich aroma that brings warmth to the table.
Can I use garlic powder instead of garlic salt?
Yes, the recipe allows for either garlic salt or garlic powder based on your preference.
How do I ensure the rice is cooked through?
Covering the pan tightly with foil ensures that the moisture stays inside to cook the rice properly.
How much parsley is used?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of dried parsley flakes.
Is the bacon cooked before going into the pan?
No, the bacon is placed in the pan raw and cooks along with the other ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, the use of 3-4 chicken breasts typically serves 4 to 6 people.