This classic chicken and rice is the ideal meal to make after a long day at work. It’s super tasty and can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
Some may think chicken breasts are dull, but with the right seasoning mix and the perfect cooking time, they are anything but that! Chicken breasts are a great lean protein to cook on a regular basis, and this is the perfect quick and easy recipe for the job. The seasoning mix can be made with everyday ingredients you probably already have in your cupboard.
Uncomplicated, nutritious, and delicious.
Why you will love this Baked Chicken and Rice…
🧑🍳 Expert Tips Before You Start
Baked Chicken and Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups white rice
- 3 cups water
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp black pepper freshly cracked
- 1 lemon zest
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Italian herb mix
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Ingredients:
Step 1- Cook the rice
- Rinse your rice well before use. Place one cup of white rice in a pot with 1 ½ cups of water and a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat until the surface bubbles. Turn down to low and cover with a lid. Cook for 13 minutes until the rice is al dente. Set aside.
Step 2- Prepare the chicken
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Take the chicken breasts out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to come to room temperature.
- Place a layer of cling film over the chicken and pound it with a mallet until they are ½ inch thick.
Step 3- Make the spice rub
- Combine the garlic salt, black pepper, lemon zest, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and paprika and mix well.
Step 4- Season the chicken
- Drizzle the chicken with the olive oil and rub with the seasoning mix on both sides.
Step 5- Bake and serve
- Place the chicken breasts on a tin foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving beside the rice.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delectable chicken with a creamy mushroom or cheese sauce and a side of roasted broccoli.
Finish the dish off with a glass of chardonnay or pinot noir.
Storage Suggestions
Baked Chicken and Rice FAQs
How do I know my chicken is cooked?
A well-cooked chicken breast will have no pink running through the center, and when cut, the juices should run clear. If you want to be extra certain, you can check the internal temperature, which should be 165°F.
Is chicken and rice healthy?
Chicken is a great lean protein that also provides many essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. The rice is also a good source of more than 15 nutrients, such as potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
How to add flavor to rice?
Rice is usually a mild addition to more flavorful elements of a dish, but you can jazz it up by grating fresh lemon zest directly into the water before cooking.