Parmesan Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Bake with Creamy Rice Recipe

Introduction

Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Rice is a comforting, flavorful one-dish meal that combines tender baked chicken with creamy, tomato-infused rice. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 6 oz sun dried tomatoes (finely chopped, about 1/4-inch pieces)
• 1.5 tbsp tomato paste
• 1.5 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1.5 cups rice (rinsed in cold water until clear)
• 22 oz chicken stock
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3.5 oz cream (room temperature)
• 2 oz parmesan (freshly grated)
• 1 bunch basil (roughly chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes, grate the parmesan, and roughly chop the basil. Measure out all spices.
2. Step 2: In a large baking dish, combine the tomato paste with oregano, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well to create a flavorful base. Add rinsed rice, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
3. Step 3: Nestle the chicken breasts evenly into the rice mixture. Pour chicken stock over the dish, making sure the rice is mostly submerged.
4. Step 4: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes at 350°F. Remove foil, gently stir the rice, check chicken for doneness (165°F internal temperature), and rice tenderness. Bake uncovered for another 10-20 minutes if needed.
5. Step 5: Remove chicken and set aside. Stir room-temperature cream into the hot rice gently, then add grated parmesan and mix until melted and creamy.
6. Step 6: Return chicken to the dish, nestling it into the creamy rice. Scatter fresh basil on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh parmesan for better melting and a richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Let the cream come to room temperature before adding it to the hot rice to prevent curdling.
• Substitute chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat with more moisture.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice mix for a subtle heat boost.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream or chicken stock to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice can be used, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the baking time accordingly and ensure the rice is fully tender before serving.

What can I do if I don’t have fresh basil?

Dried basil can be substituted, but add it during the initial spice mixing so the flavor has time to develop in the bake. Fresh basil is recommended for the best bright, fresh taste.

Parmesan Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Bake with Creamy Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 68 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Rice is a comforting baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts nestled in a flavorful tomato and herb-infused rice. Sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, oregano, and garlic powder create a robust base, complemented by a creamy finish of fresh parmesan and cream, topped with bright basil for a fresh finish. This one-pan meal combines the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and herby flavors in a simple yet elegant bake.

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Ingredients

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For the Bake:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 6 oz sun dried tomatoes, finely chopped (about 1/4-inch pieces)
• 1.5 tbsp tomato paste (preferably Hunt’s)
• 1.5 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1.5 cups rice, rinsed until water runs clear
• 22 oz chicken stock (preferably Swanson)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

For the Finish:

• 3.5 oz cream, room temperature
• 2 oz freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 bunch fresh basil, roughly chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch for fluffy grains. Finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes, grate the parmesan cheese fresh, and roughly chop the basil. Measure and have spices and other ingredients ready before assembling the dish.
2. Create Flavor Base: In a large 9×13 inch baking dish, combine tomato paste, oregano, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well to bloom the spices in the tomato paste, enhancing their flavors. Add the rinsed rice, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly so rice is evenly coated and the tomatoes are dispersed.
3. Add Chicken and Stock: Nestle the chicken breasts evenly into the rice mixture. Pour the chicken stock over everything, ensuring the rice is mostly submerged. This will allow the rice to absorb the flavorful broth as it bakes alongside the chicken.
4. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil, gently stir the rice to redistribute, and check if the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F and the rice is tender. If necessary, cover and bake for an additional 10 to 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is creamy.
5. Prepare Creamy Finish: Allow the dish to rest for a minute after removing from the oven. Remove the chicken breasts and set aside. Pour room-temperature cream into the hot rice and stir gently but thoroughly to create a creamy sauce. Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan over the rice and stir until melted into the cream, ensuring a smooth and velvety texture.
6. Reassemble and Garnish: Return the chicken breasts to the creamy rice in the baking dish. Scatter the fresh basil on top just before serving to preserve its bright color and fresh aroma. Serve warm, either plated individually or family-style.

Notes

• Rinsing rice thoroughly removes starch and prevents clumping, ensuring fluffier texture.
• Using room-temperature cream avoids curdling when mixed with hot rice.
• Freshly grated parmesan melts better for a smoother sauce than pre-shredded cheese.
• Cover the dish tightly while baking to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
• Check chicken’s internal temperature to ensure food safety; it should be 165°F.
• Basil added at the end keeps its flavor and prevents color dulling from cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Parmesan chicken, baked chicken rice, creamy chicken dish, sun-dried tomato chicken, one-pan chicken meals