The Old Fashioned Baked Chicken with Rice and Pimentos is a classic Southern dish. It combines tender chicken, savory rice, and sweet pimentos for a flavorful meal. To add more taste, try using garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. This recipe makes a delicious meal for any occasion, using 4-6 chicken pieces and 1 cup of rice.
To prepare this dish, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake in a 3-quart casserole for 25-30 minutes. You can also cook it on the stovetop for about 25 minutes. Quality ingredients like chicken broth, onions, and pimentos are key. With these and some simple seasonings, you’ll have a meal that’s sure to impress.
Key Takeaways
- Average quantity of chicken pieces used in the recipe is 4-6 pieces
- 1 cup of long-grain white rice is required for the dish
- Considering what to add to chicken and rice for flavor can enhance the dish
- Garlic powder, paprika, and thyme are great seasoning options
- Baking temperature for the dish is 350°F (175°C)
- Internal temperature for cooked chicken should be 165°F (74°C)
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Recipe
To make this tasty baked chicken with rice and pimentos, you’ll need a few key ingredients. The question can you cook raw chicken and rice at the same time gets asked a lot. Yes, you can, but you must watch the cooking time and temperature closely. You’ll need bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters, long-grain white rice, pimentos, chicken broth, onion, and some seasonings.
This recipe combines chicken pieces, long-grain white rice, and pimentos for a great taste. You can also add bell peppers and olives to make it even better. It’s important to cook the chicken until it’s done and the rice is soft.
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 8 ounces of cremini or white button mushrooms
- 1 (4-ounce) jar diced or sliced pimento peppers
- 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or a combination
- 1/2 stick of unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can low-sodium chicken broth
Optional ingredients include:
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup green olives
- 1/4 cup pimentos
Preparing the Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
When preparing the chicken for your casserole, it’s essential to clean and season it properly. You might wonder, do you cook rice before putting it in a casserole? But first, let’s focus on the chicken. Start by rinsing the chicken thighs and drying them with paper towels. Then, season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices like paprika and saffron.
Next, consider marinating the chicken for enhanced flavor. Use a mix of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a tasty marinade. After marinating, pick the right baking dish for even cooking. A caldero or Dutch oven works best for this recipe.
Cleaning and Seasoning the Chicken
Cleaning and seasoning the chicken is key in preparing your casserole. Remove excess fat and dry the chicken before seasoning. Use spices like sazon and adobo seasoning to add flavor.
Marinating for Enhanced Flavor
Marinating the chicken adds depth to your casserole. Mix olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a delicious marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak up the flavors.
Choosing the Right Baking Dish
Choosing the right baking dish is important for even cooking. A caldero or Dutch oven is best, as it ensures even heat and a crispy crust.
By following these steps, you’ll prepare delicious chicken for your casserole. Cook the rice as you prefer, whether separately or with the chicken. Do you cook rice before putting it in a casserole? It’s up to you, but make sure it’s tender and fluffy.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs | 4-6 |
| Long grain white rice | 1 cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Sazon seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
Cooking the Rice and Pimentos
To make your chicken and rice dish more flavorful, think about what you can add. Try using garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. First, cook the rice as the package says. This usually means boiling water and rice together, then simmering until the water is gone.
While the rice cooks, get the pimentos ready. Cut them into small pieces and mix them with the rice. You can also add cooked chicken for extra taste. Some good things to add include:
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Thyme
- Diced onions
- Grilled bell peppers
Make sure the rice and pimentos cook evenly. Adjust the cooking time and heat as needed. You can also add diced tomatoes or fresh herbs to make it even tastier.
By following these steps and trying different ingredients, you can make a delicious dish. The secret is to experiment and find the perfect mix for you.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Pimentos | 1/2 cup |
| Cooked Chicken | 1 cup |
Assembling the Dish
When putting together the dish, it’s key to think about cooking time and temperature. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is soft. You can cook chicken and rice together, but adjust the time and heat as needed. For instance, you can mix 2 cups of cooked rice with 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken in one dish.
To make the casserole, start with a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer cooked rice, then shredded chicken, and finish with frozen French-cut green beans. You can also use canned or fresh green beans that have been partially cooked. Visit this link for more on vegetarian chicken fried rice.
Layering the Ingredients
For a great casserole, layer ingredients carefully. Start with rice, then chicken, and end with green beans. Adding diced onions and celery can also boost flavor.
The Importance of Timing
Timing is critical in casserole cooking. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 20-25 minutes. This ensures the chicken is cooked and the rice is tender. You can also prepare the casserole ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked Rice | 2 cups |
| Shredded Chicken | 2 cups |
| Green Beans | 1 cup |
By following these tips, you can make a tasty casserole for any event. Always cook chicken and rice together, adjusting time and heat as needed. Yes, you can cook raw chicken and rice at the same time, making a healthy and delicious dish.
Baking Your Old Fashioned Chicken Dish
Wondering if to cook rice before adding it to a casserole? It really depends on what you like. If you cook the rice first, make sure it’s soft and fluffy. This ensures your casserole turns out just right.
Preheating the oven is key. You need it hot to cook the chicken and rice perfectly. The baking time and temperature vary based on your casserole’s size and ingredients. Generally, bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, or until everything is cooked.
Signs Your Dish is Ready
So, how do you know your dish is done? Look for these signs:
- The chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- The rice is tender and fluffy.
- The top of the casserole is golden brown and crispy.
By following these tips, you can make a tasty old fashioned chicken dish. Serve it with steamed vegetables or garlic bread for a special touch. So, go ahead and bake, and enjoy your delicious creation!
| Dish | Calories per serving |
|---|---|
| Chicken and Swiss Stuffing Bake | 247 |
| Texan Ranch Chicken Casserole | 329 |
| Favorite Creamy Chicken Casserole | 344 |
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
When your old-fashioned baked chicken with rice and pimentos is done, it’s time to think about serving it. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, or dried thyme on the chicken and rice before baking. These seasonings will enhance the flavors of your dish.
Ideal Side Dishes
For a complete meal, try steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad as sides. They balance the richness of the chicken and rice. The crisp veggies offer a nice contrast to the casserole.
Recommended Wine Pairings
Pair this dish with a dry white wine for a better dining experience. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well. Their light, refreshing taste complements the chicken and rice without overpowering them.
Garnishing for Presentation
For a fresh look, garnish with chopped parsley or fresh thyme. These herbs add color and flavor to your dish. They make your baked chicken look and taste amazing.