Garlic Chicken Rice Bake

why make this recipe

This Garlic Chicken Rice Bake is easy and comforting. It uses simple ingredients and cooks in one dish. You get tender chicken, soft rice, and melted cheese in one pan. If you like creamy baked chicken dishes, you may also enjoy this baked Caesar chicken with creamy parmesan sauce recipe.

introduction

This dish is great for busy nights. You can use leftover rice and simple veggies. The garlic gives good flavor, and cheese makes it cozy. It cooks in the oven so you can do other things while it bakes.

how to make Garlic Chicken Rice Bake

Start by browning the chicken and garlic in a skillet. Then mix the chicken, rice, broth, and broccoli in a baking dish. Top with cheese and bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly. For a different take on baked chicken, try this baked Caesar chicken for more ideas.

Ingredients :

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add diced chicken breast to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown.
4. In a baking dish, combine the cooked rice, chicken mixture, chicken broth, and broccoli florets. Stir everything together.
5. Top with shredded cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve warm.

how to serve Garlic Chicken Rice Bake

Serve this bake hot from the oven. Add a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. You can squeeze a little lemon on top for brightness. Let it rest 5 minutes before serving so it holds together.

how to store Garlic Chicken Rice Bake

Cool the dish to room temperature, then cover and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or microwave individual portions until warm. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Garlic Chicken Rice Bake

• Use day-old rice or cooled cooked rice so the dish is not too wet.
• Cut chicken into similar-size pieces so it cooks evenly.
• Blanch broccoli for 1–2 minutes if you want softer florets.
• Check seasoning before baking and add a little more salt or pepper if needed.

variation (if any)

• Swap broccoli for peas, spinach, or mixed vegetables.
• Use cooked shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.
• Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or a pinch of paprika for extra flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: Yes. Use cooked brown rice, but the bake may need a little more chicken broth if the rice is drier.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Add it directly from frozen. It may add a bit more moisture, so drain any extra liquid after baking if needed.

Q: Is it safe to bake in a glass dish?
A: Yes. Use an oven-safe glass baking dish and follow the oven temperature as written.

Q: Can I make this ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble the dish and cover it. Keep it in the fridge and bake when ready. You may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

Q: How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
A: Cut a piece to check that it is white inside and the juices run clear. Or use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

For another simple oven-baked chicken and rice idea, try the Oven Baked Chicken and Rice – RecipeTin Eats recipe for more tips and variations.

Garlic Chicken Rice Bake

This easy and comforting Garlic Chicken Rice Bake combines tender chicken, soft rice, and melted cheese, all cooked in one dish for a perfect meal on busy nights.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice Use day-old or cooled cooked rice.
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced Cut chicken into similar-size pieces for even cooking.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced Sauté until fragrant.
• 1 cup chicken broth Add more if using dry brown rice.
• 1 cup broccoli florets Can substitute with peas or spinach.
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) Feel free to mix cheeses.
• 1 teaspoon olive oil Used for sautéing the garlic.
• Salt and pepper to taste Adjust seasoning before baking.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add diced chicken breast to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown.
4. In a baking dish, combine the cooked rice, chicken mixture, chicken broth, and broccoli florets. Stir everything together.
5. Top with shredded cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Serve warm.

Notes

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving for better structure. Store cool leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.