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Cheesy Hidden Veggie Chicken Thigh Rice Bake

Best Cheesy Hidden Veggie Chicken Thigh Rice Bake You'll Love

This Cheesy Hidden Veggie Chicken Thigh Rice Bake is a comforting dish filled with tender chicken, melty cheese, and hidden veggies, perfect for picky eaters.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Veggie Base
  • 4 thighs Chicken bone-in, skin-on
  • 1 cup Bell peppers diced finely
  • 1 medium Zucchini grated or minced
  • 1 cup Carrots shredded
For the Rice Layer
  • 1 cup Long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups Chicken broth low-sodium
  • 1 medium Onion finely chopped
For the Cheesy Topping
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 0.5 cup Cream cheese optional
Seasonings and Extras
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • Ovenproof Skillet

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) for even cooking.
  2. Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to low. Stir in long-grain rice with diced bell pepper, zucchini, and shredded carrots.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, then add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently.
  5. Pat chicken thighs dry and season. Nestle into the rice mixture, skin-side up.
  6. Cover skillet tightly with foil or lid. Bake for 30 minutes.
  7. Remove cover, sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan over the chicken and rice.
  8. Switch the oven to broil on high, bake uncovered for 3-5 minutes until cheese is golden brown.
  9. Optional: Garnish with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Pat chicken dry for crispy skin. Use low-sodium broth for controlled seasoning. Cover while baking for juicy chicken. Finish under the broiler for melty cheese.

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