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Light & Easy $10 Chicken and Rice Bake – Perfect Budget Meal

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This budget-friendly chicken and rice bake is a one-dish wonder that combines juicy chicken thighs, tender rice, and sweet peas in a creamy, savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s simple, satisfying, and made with pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 298g) cream of chicken soup
  • 1.5 cups (355ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) butter
  • Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Sauté diced onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in sautéed onions and garlic.
  6. Spread uncooked rice evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour soup mixture over rice and stir gently.
  7. Nestle browned chicken thighs into the rice mixture. Pour any accumulated juices over the top.
  8. Sprinkle frozen peas evenly over the dish.
  9. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  10. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until chicken is golden and rice is tender.
  11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the chicken for best flavor. Use long-grain white rice; avoid instant or short-grain. Cover tightly with foil for the first 45 minutes to ensure rice cooks properly. Let rest before serving. For a lower-sodium version, use low-sodium broth and soup.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and rice bake, budget meal, one-dish dinner, easy chicken recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/light-and-easy-10-chicken-and-rice-bake-perfect-budget-meal/