Perfect Stouffers Grandma Chicken And Rice Bake Recipe is a comforting, homey dish that combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and a flavorful blend of seasonings. This recipe is perfect for a family meal or a cozy dinner, offering simplicity and deliciousness. As someone who has made this dish countless times, I can tell you that it’s both easy to prepare and impossible to resist. If you love comfort food, this dish is a must-try!

Ingredients for Perfect Stouffers Grandma Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe

To make this hearty and flavorful Perfect Stouffers Grandma Chicken And Rice Bake Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Make Perfect Stouffers Grandma Chicken And Rice Bake Recipe
- Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your clean oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your dish bakes evenly and the chicken gets a nice golden color.
- Prepare the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat fresh olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with fresh salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Rice
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Then add the rice and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally. Add the fresh chicken broth and heavy cream now. Then simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Bake
Transfer the rice mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Place your cooked chicken breasts on top of the rice. Scatter frozen peas over the dish and sprinkle some freshly shredded cheddar cheese on top if you like a cheesy finish.
- Bake
Cover the baking dish with clean aluminum foil and bake for at least 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the foil for 5 minutes to let the cheese melt and become golden.
Serving and Enjoying the Perfect Stouffers Grandma Chicken And Rice Bake Recipe
Once the Perfect Stouffers Grandmas Chicken And Rice Bake Recipe is ready, rest for a few minutes. Then, ladle the chicken, rice, and sauce into bowls. The creamy rice and the tender chicken make for a perfect bite. Encourage your guests to savor each spoonful of this warm, comforting dish that brings back memories of family dinners.
Here are some chef’s tips for making the Perfect Stouffers Grandma Chicken And Rice Bake Recipe even better
- Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor
If you want an extra depth of flavor, try using bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs. The bones add richness to the dish, and the skin will crisp up nicely during baking. If you prefer a lighter option, in that case just be sure to remove the skin before serving.
- Brown the Chicken First
Before baking, brown the chicken in a skillet. This will add attractive color and flavor to the chicken, making it more delicious when mixed with the rice.
- Season the Rice Well
The rice in the Perfect Stouffers Grandma Chicken And Rice Bake Recipe is the base of the dish, so don’t be shy with seasonings. Add a pinch of salt, fresh pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or thyme to elevate the flavor.
- Use Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to keep the dish from becoming too salty, especially if you add additional salt during preparation. This gives you more control over the seasoning.
- Add Fresh Herbs for Extra Freshness
Adding fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary just before serving can provide a refreshing flavor and a nice touch of color.
- Make It Creamier
Add a few tablespoons of fresh sour cream or cream cheese to the rice mixture for a richer texture. This will give the bake a creamier, tangier flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
- Experiment with Vegetables
You can customize the Chicken recipe by adding vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots for added nutrition and color. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic to soften them before adding to the rice.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese
A sprinkle of shredded fresh cheddar or mozzarella on the chicken and rice bake adds a wonderful golden, cheesy crust. Remove the foil in the last few minutes of baking to let the cheese melt and become bubbly.
- Let It Rest
After baking, let the dish rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the rice to firm up, making it easier to serve and more flavorful.
- Try a Crunchy Topping
If you prefer a crunch, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking. This gives the dish a delightful texture, contrasting with the creamy rice and tender chicken.
With these tips, your Perfect Stouffers Grandma Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe will be even more flavorful and delicious!
Here’s an estimated nutrition breakdown for the Perfect Stouffers Grandma Chicken And Rice Bake Recipe based on typical ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on some specific ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes.
Estimated Nutrition Information per Serving (based on six servings)
- Calories: 400-450 kcal
- Protein: 35-40 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
- Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 2-5 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5-8 grams
- Cholesterol: 75-90 mg
- Sodium: 600-750 mg
- Potassium: 400-450 mg
- Calcium: 150-200 mg
- Iron: 2-3 mg
Notes:
- Calories: The calorie count will depend mainly on the amount of cheese and cream used. Reducing cheese or opting for lighter cream will cut down the calorie count.
- Protein: The chicken is the primary protein source in the dish, making it a good protein-packed meal.
- Carbohydrates: The rice provides the bulk of the carbs, contributing to a good amount of energy.
- Fat: The fat content comes primarily from the cream and cheese. For a lighter version, use less cream or a low-fat alternative.
- Sodium: The sodium content can be high, especially when using regular chicken broth or salted butter. You can reduce it by opting for low-sodium broth.
This breakdown is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients or portion sizes. Still, it offers a general idea of the nutritional profile of Perfect Stouffers Grandma Chicken And Rice Bake Recipe.
Here are some related recipe names that complement the Perfect Stouffers Grandma Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe
- Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Chicken and Rice Bake with Vegetables
- Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- One-Pot Chicken and Rice Bake
- Baked Chicken and Rice with Mushroom Gravy
- Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Chicken and Rice with Cheddar and Broccoli
- Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Chicken, Rice, and Cheese Bake
- Savoury Chicken and Rice Bake with Peas
These recipes are similar in style and preparation to the Perfect Stouffers Grandma Chicken and Rice Bake, featuring a comforting combination of chicken, rice, and baked goodness. You can experiment with different seasonings or ingredients like vegetables and cheese for variety.
FAQ: Perfect Stouffers Grandma Chicken And Rice Bake Recipe
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in the Perfect Stouffers Grandma Chicken And Rice Bake Recipe?
Ans: Yes, but you must adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer.
2. Can I use some frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Ans: Yes, you can, but ensure that they are fully thawed before cooking; that ensures even cooking.
3. Can I add vegetables to the Perfect Stouffers Grandma Chicken And Rice Bake Recipe?
Ans: Absolutely! You can add vegetables, such as carrots or broccoli, for extra flavor and healthy nutrition.
4. Can I make this Chicken dish ahead of time?
Ans: Yes, you can prepare the Chicken dish and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
5. What can I substitute for fresh heavy cream in the Perfect Stouffers Grandma Chicken And Rice Bake Recipe?
Ans: You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version.
Conclusion
The Perfect Stouffers Grandma Chicken And Rice Bake Recipe is a simple and satisfying meal everyone will enjoy. It’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting. This lovely, tasty, delicious, and delightful dish comes together beautifully with just some ingredients and simple steps and will leave everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and enjoy the heartwarming flavors of this family favorite!