Zesty Onion Chicken & Rice Bake
This Zesty Onion Chicken & Rice Bake is a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish. The combination of tender chicken, buttery cream of chicken soup, and fluffy instant rice is elevated by the savory addition of onion soup mix, which adds a surprising zing that your family will love. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this one-dish meal is not only incredibly easy to make but also infuses your kitchen with irresistible aromas as it bakes. With just five simple ingredients, it minimizes prep time while maximizing flavor. Serve it for a cozy family supper and watch as everyone asks for seconds!
4
Servings
450
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream of Chicken Soup
1 can (Do not dilute)
Water
1 can (Use the empty soup can for measurement)
Instant Rice
1 cup (Uncooked)
Chicken Pieces
10 pieces (Bone-in or boneless, skinless suggested)
Onion Soup Mix
1 envelope (Sprinkle over the top)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large baking pan, combine the cream of chicken soup, water, and uncooked instant rice. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly distributed in the mixture.
3
Arrange the chicken pieces evenly over the rice and soup mixture, making sure they are well spaced out.
4
Sprinkle the onion soup mix generously over the chicken and rice, distributing it evenly across the top.
5
Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during cooking.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the rice has absorbed the flavors.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
60g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in the Zesty Onion Chicken & Rice Bake?
The main protein used in this recipe is chicken pieces, which can be either bone-in or boneless and skinless.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires only 5 simple ingredients: cream of chicken soup, water, instant rice, chicken pieces, and onion soup mix.
What type of rice should I use?
You should use uncooked instant rice for this recipe to ensure it absorbs the liquid and cooks properly.
Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
The recipe specifically calls for instant rice; using regular rice may require different liquid ratios and cooking times.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long does the Zesty Onion Chicken & Rice Bake need to cook?
The dish should be baked for 2 hours until the chicken is tender and the rice has absorbed the flavors.
Do I need to cover the baking pan?
Yes, the baking pan should be covered tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during the 2-hour bake time.
How much water is added to the mixture?
You add one can of water, using the empty cream of chicken soup can for measurement.
Should I dilute the cream of chicken soup?
Do not dilute the soup beyond adding the one can of water specified in the instructions.
What gives the dish its zesty flavor?
The zesty zing comes from one envelope of onion soup mix sprinkled over the top of the chicken and rice.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 30 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 60 grams of carbohydrates.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a One Dish Meal, making cleanup very easy.
How should the chicken be prepared before baking?
Arrange the chicken pieces evenly over the rice and soup mixture, ensuring they are well spaced out.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests either bone-in or boneless, skinless chicken pieces.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
When do I add the onion soup mix?
The onion soup mix is sprinkled generously over the chicken and rice just before covering the pan with foil.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Primary tags include chicken and rice, one dish meal, easy dinner, and comfort food.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, despite the 2-hour bake time, the prep time is minimal with only 5 ingredients.
What kind of aroma does this dish create?
The dish infuses the kitchen with irresistible savory aromas as it bakes.
How should the soup and rice be combined?
In a large baking pan, combine the cream of chicken soup, water, and uncooked rice, stirring well to distribute the rice evenly.
Does this recipe include fiber or sugar?
The provided nutritional data indicates that fiber and sugar values are not specified.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size in weight is not provided, but the recipe is intended for 4 people.
Is the rice cooked or uncooked when added to the pan?
The rice should be uncooked instant rice.
What makes this a 'comfort food' recipe?
The combination of buttery cream soup, fluffy rice, and tender chicken makes it a classic comfort dish.
How many chicken pieces are needed?
The recipe calls for 10 chicken pieces.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
While the recipe specifies cream of chicken, similar 'cream of' soups like mushroom or celery could be used for a different flavor profile.