Skillet Chicken Rice Bake
Highlighted under: Hearty & Delicious Comfort Food
A comforting one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of vegetables all baked together for a delicious family meal.
This Skillet Chicken Rice Bake is perfect for busy weeknights. The ingredients meld together beautifully, creating a dish that is not only flavorful but also easy to prepare.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- One-pan convenience saves time on cleanup
- Flavorful blend of spices and ingredients
- Comforting and hearty meal for the whole family
A Family Favorite
Skillet Chicken Rice Bake is not just a meal; it's a comforting experience that brings families together. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables creates a visually appealing and satisfying dinner that everyone will look forward to.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what your family enjoys. Whether you choose to add peas, corn, or even spinach, this dish allows for creativity while still delivering a wholesome meal.
Quick and Easy Preparation
With busy schedules and hectic family lives, finding quick and easy dinner solutions is essential. Skillet Chicken Rice Bake comes together in just a few simple steps, making it a great option for weeknight dinners. The one-pan nature of the recipe means you can spend more time enjoying the meal and less time cleaning up afterward.
The preparation is straightforward, allowing even novice cooks to whip up this dish with confidence. By cooking everything in a single skillet, flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that's both delicious and efficient. Plus, the leftovers make for a fantastic lunch the next day!
Nutritional Benefits
This Skillet Chicken Rice Bake is not only tasty but also packed with nutritional benefits. Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein, while the colorful vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals to your diet. Broccoli and bell peppers are particularly rich in antioxidants, which can help support overall health and wellness.
Using brown rice instead of white can enhance the dish's fiber content, making it even more filling and beneficial for digestion. By incorporating whole grains and a variety of vegetables, you're creating a balanced meal that nourishes the body and satisfies the taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Bake
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Gather all ingredients before starting for a smooth cooking experience.
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Cook the Chicken
Add the diced chicken to the skillet, season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
Stir in the cooked rice, broccoli, bell peppers, and chicken broth. Mix well to combine.
Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Skillet Chicken Rice Bake!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Skillet Chicken Rice Bake, consider serving it with a side salad or some crusty bread. A light mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty bake. Additionally, a slice of garlic bread can be a delightful accompaniment for those who love carbs.
For a bit of extra flavor, drizzle the dish with a homemade sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. This adds a zesty touch that brightens the overall taste and makes the meal feel even more special.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers of this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, simply warm it in the microwave or transfer it to a skillet with a little splash of chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, and you'll have a delicious meal ready in minutes.
If you're planning to make this dish ahead of time, consider assembling it without baking. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or for those busy weeknights when you want to have dinner almost ready to go.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with different proteins in this recipe. Ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even tofu can work well in place of diced chicken breast. This allows you to tailor the dish to your family's preferences or dietary needs while maintaining the core flavors.
Additionally, you can play with the spices and herbs used in the bake. Adding Italian seasoning, cumin, or even a hint of curry powder can provide exciting new flavors. These variations keep the dish fresh and interesting every time you make it!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, peas, or carrots.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and bake it just before serving.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Skillet Chicken Rice Bake
A comforting one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of vegetables all baked together for a delicious family meal.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Hearty & Delicious Comfort Food
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Bake
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced chicken to the skillet, season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
Stir in the cooked rice, broccoli, bell peppers, and chicken broth. Mix well to combine.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 32g