Have you ever wondered what to do with that leftover rice from the night before? I have the perfect solution for you: Creamy Baked Rice. This recipe is simply wonderful, and I’m sure that once you try it, you’ll want to make it every single weekend. Get ready to turn simple leftovers into a delicious meal that the whole family will love. Keep reading to find out how to prepare this treat!
Ingredients for Creamy Baked Rice:
- A drizzle of olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- A small piece of bell pepper, diced
- 1.1 lbs (500g) cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 tbsp of your favorite seasoning blend
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup (50g) chopped olives
- 1/2 can of corn
- 1/2 can of peas
- 1 carrot, cooked and diced
- 3.5 oz (100g) shredded ham
- 3 cups cooked rice (white, parboiled, or brown)
- Fresh parsley and scallions to taste
- 9 oz (250g) cream cheese (or Brazilian requeijão)
- 7 oz (200g) heavy cream
- Shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to taste
How to Make Creamy Baked Rice:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic for about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced bell pepper and sauté for another minute.
- Add the shredded chicken, seasoning, mustard, and tomato sauce, mixing well. Cook for about 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Turn off the heat and add the olives, corn, peas, carrots, and ham. Mix well.
- Fold in the cooked rice and mix again.
- Add the fresh parsley, scallions, cream cheese, and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is homogeneous.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to taste.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. If you like, finish with shoestring potatoes (batata palha) before serving.
Tips:
To give your Creamy Baked Rice a special touch, feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your taste and what you have on hand. If you don’t like bell peppers, you can replace them with other vegetables like broccoli or zucchini. The goal is to use the ingredients you love most and make the most of your leftovers.
Another tip: the cream cheese and heavy cream are essential for that irresistible creaminess. If you prefer, you can use regular cream cheese or even crumbled feta for a different flavor profile. For a lighter version, opt for light cream cheese and light heavy cream.
Prep time:
About 40 minutes.
Servings:
Serves approximately 6 people.
Fun Fact:
Baked rice is one of those versatile recipes that fits any occasion. Its exact origin is unknown, but it likely emerged as a clever way to use up leftovers, especially in times when food waste was discouraged. The concept is simple: use what you have on hand to create a new, tasty, and nutritious dish.
Rice is one of the most consumed foods in the world. Originally from Asia, it is a staple in many cultures and has been cultivated for thousands of years. Its versatility allows it to be combined with an endless array of ingredients.
Chicken, another key ingredient in our Creamy Baked Rice, is an excellent source of protein and is known for adapting well to different seasonings and cooking methods. When combined with rice and vegetables, it creates a balanced and very flavorful meal.
Cheese is widely used in Brazilian cuisine, adding not only flavor but also a signature creamy texture and an irresistible golden crust when baked.
This recipe not only prevents food waste but is also a fantastic option for family lunches or practical dinners. It can be prepared in advance and warmed up when ready to serve, making life easier for those with a busy schedule.
Give it a try and discover why this dish is a favorite in so many homes!