Chicken & Rice Bake with Fall Veggies

This hearty Chicken & Rice Bake is loaded with tender chicken, seasonal fall vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice. It’s a comforting one-pan meal that’s perfect for cozy weeknights or family dinners. The combination of savory herbs, roasted vegetables, and fluffy rice makes every bite warm and satisfying. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken & Rice Bake is a wholesome, balanced meal that’s both flavorful and fuss-free. The fall vegetables bring sweetness and texture, while the chicken and rice provide protein and substance. It’s a complete meal in one dish, minimizing cleanup while maximizing comfort. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a casual dinner party.

• One-pan convenience with minimal cleanup.
• Packed with protein, fiber, and seasonal vegetables.
• Warm, comforting, and full of fall flavors.
• Easy to adapt with your favorite herbs and veggies.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this dish offers a balanced mix of protein, healthy carbs, and fiber-rich vegetables. It’s satisfying and nourishing, without feeling heavy. The combination of chicken, rice, and seasonal veggies makes it a nutrient-dense option for weeknight meals.

• Calories: ~400 per serving
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Vitamins: Rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium

Time Breakdown

Even with multiple components, this recipe is straightforward and time-efficient. With minimal prep and a single baking step, you can have a colorful, comforting dinner on the table in about an hour. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients You’ll Need

The recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that highlight the flavors of fall. Seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, carrots, and Brussels sprouts combine with chicken and rice to create a hearty and flavorful meal. A few pantry staples and fresh herbs are all you need to make this dish shine.

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or wild)
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup diced butternut squash
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup chopped Brussels sprouts
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan or shredded cheese (optional)

Condensed Grocery Checklist

Shopping for this recipe is simple thanks to its short and straightforward ingredient list. You don’t need specialty items: just fresh vegetables, chicken, rice, and a few basic seasonings. Optional cheese or herbs can elevate the dish, but the core ingredients alone deliver a satisfying meal.

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Rice (white, brown, or wild)
• Butternut squash, carrots, Brussels sprouts
• Onion and garlic
• Olive oil
• Dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, pepper
• Chicken broth
• Cheese (optional)

How to Make – Step by Step

Preparing this bake is easy and approachable for cooks of all skill levels. The process involves layering ingredients in a baking dish, seasoning thoughtfully, and letting the oven do most of the work. Each step builds flavor and ensures that the chicken and vegetables are perfectly cooked, resulting in a comforting, cohesive dish.

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
3. Add chicken and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
4. In a baking dish, combine cooked rice, roasted veggies, and herbs.
5. Place seared chicken on top and pour chicken broth over the mixture.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
7. Remove foil, sprinkle with cheese if using, and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until cheese melts.
8. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

This recipe is highly versatile and can be customized to suit dietary preferences or seasonal availability. You can swap chicken for turkey, sausage, or a vegetarian protein. The rice can be replaced with quinoa, farro, or couscous. Vegetables can also be rotated based on what’s in season or in your pantry, making this a flexible go-to recipe.

• Substitute chicken with turkey, sausage, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Swap fall vegetables with zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans.
• Use quinoa, farro, or couscous instead of rice.
• Add cranberries or apple slices for a sweet autumn twist.

Serving Suggestions

These chicken and rice bake bites are perfect for serving in multiple ways. They shine as a main dish alongside a simple salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve them at gatherings as part of a buffet or pair with bread or a light soup. Garnishing with fresh herbs adds extra color and flavor for presentation.

• Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted root vegetables.
• Add crusty bread or garlic rolls on the side.
• Drizzle with a light vinaigrette or gravy for extra flavor.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a vibrant presentation.

Storing Tips

This dish stores and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for several days, and reheat gently before serving. Freezing is also an option; just separate cheese toppings if used. Proper storage ensures the dish remains flavorful and satisfying for multiple meals.

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Freeze in portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
• Keep cheese toppings separate when freezing for best texture.

Chef’s Special Tips

A few small techniques make this bake even more delicious. Searing the chicken before baking enhances flavor and texture. Cutting vegetables into uniform sizes ensures even roasting. Covering the dish during most of the baking process retains moisture, and finishing with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors. These tricks take a simple dish to the next level.

• Sear chicken before baking for added depth of flavor.
• Cut vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
• Cover with foil for most of the baking time to retain moisture.
• Mix in fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten flavors.

Conclusion

Chicken & Rice Bake with Fall Veggies is the ultimate cozy, one-pan meal for autumn. It’s hearty, nourishing, and packed with seasonal flavors that the whole family will enjoy. With minimal prep and maximum comfort, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining. Gather your ingredients, prep your veggies, and enjoy a warm, satisfying, and colorful fall meal.

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