
Chicken and Rice Tray Bake
Discover the comforting goodness of our oven-baked chicken and rice, a hearty meal packed with tender chicken, veggies, and flavourful herbs. This easy tray bake recipe is a perfect way to introduce healthy ingredients in a wholesome dish that your little one will enjoy for lunch or dinner. With sweet peas and corn adding a burst of natural sweetness, every bite is both nutritious and delicious. For an extra boost, try adding NAN Toddler Milk Drink powder to enhance the meal’s nutritional value. Quick to prepare and simple to bake, this chicken and rice tray bake is sure to become a family favourite, filling your home with warmth and bringing smiles to mealtime.
Ingredients
500g lean chicken thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp paprika
2 tsp mixed herbs
1 large onion (200g), chopped finely
1 carrot, sliced thinly
1 ½ cups (300g) long-grain rice
1 x 400g can crushed tomatoes
2 ¼ cups (310mL) salt reduced chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup frozen peas and corn
3 scoops NAN Toddler Milk Drink powder (optional)
Fresh parsley, to serve (optional)
Step by step
-
Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe
- Pre-heat oven to 180°C (160°C fan forced), grease and line a 40cmx30cm roasting pan with baking paper.
- Combine chicken, oil, garlic, paprika and mixed herbs in prepared tray and mix well. Toss in onion, carrot and rice. Pour over combined stock and tomatoes; cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until chicken is cooked and rice is tender. Add peas and corn and stir through/ fluff rice with a fork at the same time. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired
Additional instructions for portioning and boosting nutrition in your tray bake:
To enhance the nutritional value of the dish, you can add 3 scoops of NAN Toddler Milk Drink powder to one portion. It is important, for food safety reasons, not to add the toddler milk drink to the entire dish. Instead, please follow these steps:
- Portion out one serving of the prepared dish.
- Add 3 scoops of NAN Toddler Milk Drink powder to the portioned dish and stir well to combine.
- Store the remaining dish for up to 2 days in the fridge for later use and repeat, as above, if desired.
Chicken and Rice Tray Bake FAQs
Can I use a different cut of chicken instead of chicken thighs in this tray bake?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts or drumsticks if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Is it possible to make this tray bake recipe without the NAN Toddler Milk Drink powder?
Absolutely! This oven baked chicken and rice dish is nutritious on its own. Adding the NAN Toddler Milk Drink powder is optional and can be done after portioning.
Can I prepare this chicken and rice tray bake recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this chicken and rice tray bake in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when needed. Make sure you store in an airtight container and label it with the date before popping into the fridge.
Can I substitute the vegetables with others?
Definitely! You can swap out the peas and corn for other child-friendly vegetables like diced zucchini, capsicum, or sweet potato.
How can I make this recipe suitable for the whole family?
This dish is family friendly as is, but feel free to season portions for older kids or adults with extra herbs, spices, or a sprinkle of cheese for added flavour.