Back when I was a child, one of the things we always did as a family was "Sunday Dinner". A good, soul-warming meal with the people you love meant so much. Unfortunately, times have changed...and it's not always easy to make a full meal that everyone can enjoy together. Whether it's concern over the time it takes, or coordinating schedules, or whatever...I certainly wish it happened more often.
Chicken & Rice may well be an answer for many. Simple to put together...easy to prep early and keep until ready to cook (so you can set it up the evening before, if you want)...and solid, old-school comfort food. In fact, this is one of our go-to dishes, ESPECIALLY if a family member hasn't been feeling well, since the simple ingredients are also very easy to digest! I promise you...this recipe will satisfy!
Chicken & Rice
6-8 boneless chicken thighs (if you prefer white meat, 3-4 boneless breasts, halved)
Salt & Pepper, to taste (if on a low-salt diet, these can be eliminated)
1 family-size can cream of mushroom soup (or 2 regular size cans...and if you don't like mushrooms, you can substitute cream of chicken)
1 1/2 cups water (for more flavor, you can use chicken broth)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped (you can use sweet onions, and they're really good)
2 cups white rice (I don't recommend brown rice for this dish due to the additional time it takes to cook)
1 family-size can cream of mushroom soup (or 2 regular size cans...and if you don't like mushrooms, you can substitute cream of chicken)
1 1/2 cups water (for more flavor, you can use chicken broth)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped (you can use sweet onions, and they're really good)
2 cups white rice (I don't recommend brown rice for this dish due to the additional time it takes to cook)
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley (give it a beautiful accent before serving)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees (if cooking immediately - if you are prepping early, plan to heat your oven about 1 hour before mealtime). Using cooking spray, grease a 9'' x 13'' baking dish with 2" sides. Set aside.
Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken (to taste). Lay the chicken pieces in the baking dish in one layer.
In a bowl, combine the soup and water. Add the chopped onions and rice, and stir to mix well. Pour mixture over the chicken, spreading to ensure it's even. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. At this point, it's ready to cook...so you can store in the fridge until time to cook (can be stored for up to 12 hours), or proceed below.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees (if cooking immediately - if you are prepping early, plan to heat your oven about 1 hour before mealtime). Using cooking spray, grease a 9'' x 13'' baking dish with 2" sides. Set aside.
Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken (to taste). Lay the chicken pieces in the baking dish in one layer.
In a bowl, combine the soup and water. Add the chopped onions and rice, and stir to mix well. Pour mixture over the chicken, spreading to ensure it's even. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. At this point, it's ready to cook...so you can store in the fridge until time to cook (can be stored for up to 12 hours), or proceed below.
Bake in oven at 350 degrees for approximately 40 minutes (you will add 5-10 minutes to that if cooking thicker pieces of chicken), check for done-ness. If more time is needed, use 5-10 minute increments.
NOTE - You can up the flavor profile, if you wish, by adding any of the following:
1) 1 cup frozen English peas
2) 1 cup cubed carrots
3) 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
4) Spread 1-2 cups of cheddar cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking
That's literally it, folks. Takes about 10 minutes to set up, then the baking takes care of itself!! A simple, nostalgic meal the entire family can love...and only YOU know just how easy it was!! ENJOY!
NOTE - You can up the flavor profile, if you wish, by adding any of the following:
1) 1 cup frozen English peas
2) 1 cup cubed carrots
3) 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
4) Spread 1-2 cups of cheddar cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking
That's literally it, folks. Takes about 10 minutes to set up, then the baking takes care of itself!! A simple, nostalgic meal the entire family can love...and only YOU know just how easy it was!! ENJOY!
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