Discover the warm, comforting taste of a classic American dish with this Old Fashioned Baked Chicken with Rice and Pimentos recipe. It combines tender chicken, fragrant rice, and the bright pop of pimentos. This timeless meal is a true delight for the senses.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner or want to recreate nostalgic flavors, this recipe is perfect. It’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Key Takeaways
- A traditional comfort food dish that showcases the flavors of chicken, rice, and pimentos
- Easy to prepare and bake, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings
- Versatile recipe that can be customized with additional vegetables or spices to suit your personal taste preferences
- Comforting and satisfying, this dish is sure to please the whole family
- Leftovers can be easily stored and reheated, making it a practical choice for meal planning
Introduction to Old Fashioned Comfort Food
Enjoy the warmth of a classic old fashioned baked chicken recipe. It’s a beloved one-pan meal loved by many for generations. This dish brings the cozy flavors of Southern cuisine into your home, filling it with a delicious smell as it cooks.
It’s a favorite in American homes, known for its hearty and satisfying taste.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This old fashioned baked chicken recipe stands out for its simplicity and flexibility. Made with common ingredients, it’s easy to make. The chicken, rice, and pimentos come together in a way that will make your taste buds happy.
The History of Baked Chicken Dishes
Baked chicken dishes have been a part of American life for a long time. They come from the rich cooking traditions of the South. This traditional chicken dish shows how much people love home-cooked meals.
Over the years, it has changed to fit different tastes and preferences. But it’s still a classic that brings families together.
| Nutrition Facts | Values |
|---|---|
| Servings | 6 |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Calories per serving | 453 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Protein | 13 g |
| Fat | 31 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g |
| Cholesterol | 84 mg |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Potassium | 171 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Vitamin A | 1087 IU |
| Vitamin C | 4 mg |
| Calcium | 202 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
“The State Fair of Texas offers a unique selection of food items inspired by traditional Texan and Mexican flavors.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this tasty pimento rice and easy baked chicken dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Let’s go through the essential components:
Main Ingredients for the Chicken
- 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Italian herb seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper
Essential Pantry Staples
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
- Mayonnaise
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 jar (4 oz) pimentos, diced
- Frozen chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery mix
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
To add more flavor and nutrition to this traditional chicken dish, consider including the following optional ingredients:
- Diced tomatoes or tomato sauce
- Smoked sausage
- Crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper
- Water chestnuts
- French-style green beans
Remember, the key to this recipe is using high-quality, fresh ingredients. This will help you create a delicious and comforting meal. With the right combination of flavors, you’re sure to enjoy this pimento rice and easy baked chicken dish.
Preparing the Chicken
Seasoning is key for the best old fashioned baked chicken. Start by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs or spices. This boosts the chicken’s natural taste, making it more flavorful.
Even though marinating isn’t required, letting the chicken rest for 30 minutes helps. It lets the seasonings soak into the meat evenly. This makes the chicken taste better all over.
Seasoning Your Chicken
Don’t hold back on seasoning! Use plenty of salt and pepper. Try adding dried herbs and spices too. Here are some great options:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Dried thyme
- Dried oregano
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
The Importance of Marinating
Marinating isn’t needed, but it’s a good idea. Place the seasoned chicken in a bag or dish. Let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour. This makes the chicken tender and full of flavor.
“The key to delicious old fashioned baked chicken is all in the seasoning. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your spice blend!”
Cooking the Rice
To make the perfect pimento rice, you’ll need to cook it just right. Wild rice is the choice for this recipe. It takes longer to cook than white rice but offers a unique texture and more protein and fiber.
Choosing the Right Type of Rice
Wild rice is the main ingredient, but you can also use long-grain white rice. Both are good, but wild rice adds a chewy texture that makes the dish better.
Cooking Rice to Perfection
- Rinse the rice well before cooking to get rid of extra starch.
- Use a 3:1 water to rice ratio for the best taste.
- Boil the water, then lower the heat and simmer the rice, covered, for about 50 minutes until it’s tender.
- Fluff the cooked rice with a fork before mixing it with the baked chicken.
Spending time to cook the rice right ensures every bite is balanced and tasty.
| Rice Variety | Cooking Time | Texture | Nutritional Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Rice | 50 minutes | Chewy | Higher in protein and fiber |
| Long-Grain White Rice | 20 minutes | Fluffy | Lower in protein and fiber |
Choosing the right rice and cooking it well creates a dish with great flavors and textures. This makes your one-pan pimento rice and chicken dish even better.
Incorporating Pimentos
Pimentos, those vibrant red gems, add a delightful touch of sweetness and color to your pimento rice dish. They come from Central and South America. Pimentos have long been a staple in Southern cuisine, adding their unique flavor to many classic dishes.
The Flavor Profile of Pimentos
Pimentos have a mild, slightly sweet taste. This taste complements the savory elements of the baked chicken and rice perfectly. Their crisp texture and vivid hue also make the dish visually appealing, delighting the senses.
Alternatives to Pimentos
If pimentos are hard to find, you can use roasted red peppers instead. They have a similar flavor and vibrant color. This ensures your pimento rice dish stays true to its Southern charm.
Choosing traditional pimentos or roasted red peppers will make your Old Fashioned Baked Chicken with Rice and Pimentos even better. It will turn into a true culinary masterpiece.
“Pimentos add a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the dish, making it a true delight for the senses.”
Assembling the Dish
Making your easy baked chicken one-pan meal is easy! Start by mixing cooked rice, tender chicken, cream of mushroom soup, pimentos, diced onion, green beans, mayonnaise, and water chestnuts in a big bowl. Stir everything well to mix the flavors evenly.
After mixing, put the mixture in a 3-quart casserole dish. Smooth the top for an even layer. This way, all the flavors blend together beautifully while baking.
Tips for Even Cooking
- Spread the mixture evenly in the casserole dish to promote consistent cooking throughout.
- Consider covering the dish with aluminum foil during the initial baking stage to help retain moisture and prevent the top from browning too quickly.
- If desired, you can remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to allow the top to lightly brown and create a delightful crust.
By following these tips, your one-pan meal of easy baked chicken will be perfectly cooked. Each part will blend together for a satisfying and comforting dish.
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for the best baking temperature. This ensures your old fashioned baked chicken and traditional chicken dish turns out great. Once the oven is ready, it’s time to put your dish in and let it cook.
Time and Doneness Guidelines
Bake your chicken and rice casserole for about 45 minutes. Cover it with aluminum foil for the first 45 minutes. This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents the top from getting too brown.
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. This final step gives you crispy chicken skin and makes the rice absorb all the flavors.
To check if your chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. This makes your chicken tender and juicy.
| Cooking Time | Oven Temperature | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| 45 minutes (covered) | 375°F (190°C) | – |
| 15-20 minutes (uncovered) | 375°F (190°C) | 165°F (74°C) |
If the top of your chicken is getting too brown, cover it with foil. This prevents burning and lets it cook perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
This old-fashioned baked chicken with rice and pimentos is perfect for a family dinner or as comfort food. You can enjoy it alone or with some simple sides. Try it with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies for extra nutrition. Add some chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a nice touch.
Ideal Side Dishes to Pair
- Garden-fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing
- Steamed broccoli or green beans with a touch of lemon
- Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts
Creative Serving Ideas
Serve the baked chicken and rice casserole family-style from the baking dish. It’s a cozy way to share the meal. Or, plate it individually for a more elegant look. Arrange the chicken, rice, and pimentos in a way that looks good.
“There’s nothing quite like a hearty, home-cooked meal to bring the family together. This baked chicken and rice dish is sure to become a new favorite.”
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Enjoying your easy baked chicken with rice and pimentos again is a treat. To keep your family dinner fresh and tasty, just follow these simple steps.
Proper Storage Techniques
Let the chicken, rice, and pimentos cool down first. Then, put them in an airtight container. This keeps the dish moist and prevents it from drying out. You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Best Practices for Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. Add a bit of broth or water to the dish to keep it moist.
- Cover the dish with foil and heat it for 15-20 minutes until everything is warm.
- For single servings, use the microwave. Stir it every now and then to heat evenly.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your easy baked chicken with rice and pimentos again. Make the most of your family dinner leftovers!
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 572 |
| Fat | 38g (58% DV) |
| Saturated Fat | 21g (131% DV) |
| Cholesterol | 162mg (54% DV) |
| Sodium | 1035mg (45% DV) |
| Carbohydrates | 24g (8% DV) |
| Fiber | 3g (13% DV) |
| Protein | 35g (70% DV) |
Variations on the Classic Recipe
The traditional old fashioned baked chicken with rice and pimentos is a favorite in the South. But, you can make it your own by adding new veggies or a spicy kick. This makes the dish healthier and tastier, keeping it true to Southern cuisine roots.
Adding Vegetables for a Health Boost
Adding chopped veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant makes the dish better for you. They add color and important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. For a veggie-only option, swap the chicken for veggies and use veggie broth instead.
Spicy Twist: Incorporating Peppers
For a spicy touch, use diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes in your old fashioned baked chicken. The heat complements the dish’s savory taste. Try herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to make it your own.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Zucchini, diced | 1 cup |
| Cremini mushrooms, sliced | 8 oz |
| Jalapeño, diced | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
“The key to making a truly memorable old fashioned baked chicken dish is to embrace the simplicity of the ingredients and let the natural flavors shine.”
Try different veggies and spices to make this classic Southern cuisine recipe your own. It’s a great way to enjoy a timeless dish with a modern twist.
Conclusion
This old fashioned baked chicken with rice and pimentos recipe is true comfort food. It’s a meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying, perfect for family gatherings. This traditional chicken dish has a rich history and is loved by many, blending tradition with modern convenience.
Celebrating Simple, Hearty Meals
This family dinner recipe brings back warm memories. The smell of baked chicken, rice, and pimentos fills the air, making it inviting. It’s great for family meals or a cozy dinner for one, satisfying your taste and soul.
Enjoying this dish reminds us of the lasting charm of comfort food. It shows how traditional recipes can create lasting memories and traditions. This dish is a symbol of wholesome meals that unite families and communities, making memories that last for generations.
Try making these at home and explore more delicious dessert recipes on our dessert category.