Description
This Spicy Chicken & Rice Bake is a deliciously hearty one-pan meal, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. With tender chicken breasts, fluffy rice, and a kick of zesty spices, it offers a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to allow the spices to bloom.
- Add the rice, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture.
- Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for a hearty vegetable mix, like zucchini, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes, to make a vegetarian version of this dish.
Spice Level: For those who enjoy extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or use a hotter chili powder blend.
Add Cheese: I love topping this dish with shredded cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking for a creamy finish.
Rice Type: Feel free to substitute white rice with brown rice or jasmine rice for a different texture and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time for longer-cooking rice varieties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
