Honey Mustard Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe

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Cook Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup honey, divided
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (2 to 2 1/2 pounds)
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked jasmine or basmati rice
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Lightly coat a 3-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of honey, Dijon mustard (or whole grain mustard), lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss them to coat evenly with the marinade.

Step 4: Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Place the marinated chicken thighs on top of the rice in the baking dish.

Step 6: Pour the chicken broth into the same bowl, stirring it to mix with the remaining marinade. Carefully pour the broth around the chicken, ensuring not to pour it directly on top of the chicken and wash off the marinade.

Step 7: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 8: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and brush the chicken thighs with the remaining 1 tablespoon of honey.

Step 9: Increase the oven temperature to 425F (220C) and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a chicken thigh reads at least 175F (80C).

Step 10: Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 448
• Fat: 22g (28% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 7g (33% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 194mg (65% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 837mg (36% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 26g (9% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 40g (79% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 2mg (2% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 39mg (3% Daily Value)
• Iron: 3mg (14% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 550mg (12% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The History and Origins of Honey Mustard Chicken and Rice Bake

The Honey Mustard Chicken and Rice Bake, a comforting combination of tender chicken and flavorful rice, traces its roots to the mid-20th century American home-cooking tradition. The dish evolved from classic casseroles that emerged in the United States after World War II, when convenience, ease of preparation, and affordability became central to family meals. Honey and mustard, both widely available in American kitchens, were paired with chicken for a naturally sweet yet tangy glaze, offering a quick way to elevate a simple baked meal. Over time, this dish has become a staple for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and casual family gatherings.

Regional Variations and Features

Regional adaptations of Honey Mustard Chicken and Rice Bake often reflect local preferences and available ingredients. In the Southern United States, recipes may incorporate a touch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for added warmth. In contrast, Northern versions may favor Dijon mustard for a sharper tang. Some variations swap jasmine rice for basmati or long-grain white rice, while others introduce vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers directly into the bake. Despite these differences, the central conceptjuicy, honey-glazed chicken atop a bed of seasoned riceremains consistent across regions.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While it shares similarities with other baked chicken and rice casseroles, Honey Mustard Chicken and Rice Bake stands out for its distinctive balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Unlike chicken and rice dishes that rely on heavy cream or tomato-based sauces, this recipe uses a honey-mustard glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a crisp, flavorful crust on the chicken. Additionally, the separation of rice and marinade ensures that the grains absorb broth without losing their texture, distinguishing it from stews or one-pot chicken-and-rice meals that can become mushy.

Where It Is Commonly Served

This dish is most often served in home settings, from casual weeknight dinners to festive family gatherings. It is a popular choice for potlucks or small dinner parties due to its simplicity, attractive presentation, and crowd-pleasing flavor profile. Restaurants specializing in comfort food may also feature honey mustard chicken casseroles as part of a hearty dinner menu, frequently paired with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Interesting Facts and Culinary Insights

• The combination of honey and mustard is believed to date back centuries, initially used in European sauces and dressings before being incorporated into American baked dishes.
• Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs not only enhances flavor but also ensures juiciness during the baking process.
• The dish allows for creative flexibility: swapping chicken thighs for breasts, experimenting with different types of mustard, or adding herbs like thyme and rosemary can create unique variations.
• Many home cooks prefer covering the dish with foil during the first stage of baking to retain moisture, then uncovering to caramelize the chicken, a technique that perfectly balances tenderness and crispness.
• Green onions or fresh herbs are often added just before serving to provide a pop of color and freshness against the rich honey-mustard glaze.

Honey Mustard Chicken and Rice Bake remains a beloved dish because it combines simplicity, flavor, and versatility. Its enduring popularity demonstrates how a few pantry staples, combined with careful cooking technique, can produce a meal that is both elegant and comforting.

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