Sweet & Crunchy Apricot Almond Chicken Rice Bake
This delightful dish combines the savory flavors of tender chicken with the sweet notes of dried apricots and the satisfying crunch of almonds. Originally inspired by a sandwich recipe from Better Homes and Gardens, this rendition transforms those ingredients into a hearty hot dish perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. Cream cheese and sour cream provide a creamy base, while fresh cilantro adds a hint of brightness. Enjoy this comforting bake that melds texture and flavor in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Almonds
1/4 cup (chopped)
Skinless cooked chicken
1 cup (sliced)
Dried apricot
1/2 cup (chopped)
Celery
1 stalk (chopped)
Sour cream
1/2 cup (none)
Cream cheese
4 ounces (softened)
Fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
Honey
1 teaspoon (none)
Cooked rice
3 cups (cooked)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the chopped almonds, sliced chicken, chopped dried apricots, chopped celery, sour cream, softened cream cheese, chopped cilantro, Dijon mustard, and honey.
3
Gently mix all ingredients until well combined.
4
Fold in the cooked rice, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
5
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
7
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until hot and slightly golden on top.
8
Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main name of this dish?
The dish is called the Sweet & Crunchy Apricot Almond Chicken Rice Bake.
What was the original inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was originally inspired by a sandwich recipe from Better Homes and Gardens.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What are the primary proteins in this dish?
The primary protein is skinless cooked chicken.
How much cooked rice is required?
The recipe requires 3 cups of cooked rice.
What gives the dish its 'crunchy' texture?
The crunch comes from 1/4 cup of chopped almonds.
What provides the sweet flavor in this chicken bake?
The sweetness comes from 1/2 cup of chopped dried apricots and a teaspoon of honey.
What ingredients make the base of the dish creamy?
The creamy base is made from 1/2 cup of sour cream and 4 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How should the chicken be prepared before mixing?
The chicken should be cooked and sliced.
What fresh herb is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro.
What type of mustard is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
Are there any vegetables included in this bake?
Yes, the dish includes 1 stalk of chopped celery.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
How long is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 25 minutes (15 minutes covered and 10 minutes uncovered).
Why do I need to cover the dish with aluminum foil?
The dish is covered for the first 15 minutes to ensure it heats through evenly without drying out.
What should I look for to know the dish is done?
The dish is ready when it is hot and slightly golden on top.
Should the rice be raw or cooked when added to the mixture?
The rice must be cooked before being folded into the mixture.
How should the cream cheese be prepared for easy mixing?
The cream cheese should be softened before combining with other ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for a family meal?
Yes, it is described as a hearty hot dish perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
How many ingredients are listed in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients listed.
What is the first step in preparing the recipe?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
When should the rice be added to the mixture?
The rice should be folded in after all other ingredients have been mixed together.
Does this dish contain nuts?
Yes, it contains chopped almonds.
Can I serve this dish immediately after taking it out of the oven?
It is recommended to let it cool slightly before serving.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken, rice, almonds, apricots, baked dish, family meal, comfort food, creamy, and quick and easy.
How should the dried apricots be prepared?
The dried apricots should be chopped.
What is the preparation for the celery?
The celery stalk should be chopped.
Is there any specific way to mix the rice?
Gently fold in the cooked rice to ensure even distribution throughout the mixture.
What is the preparation for the fresh cilantro?
The cilantro should be chopped.
What kind of texture does the celery add?
Along with the almonds, the chopped celery adds a fresh crunch to the dish.