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 it runs clear)

22 oz chicken stock

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

3.5 oz cream (room temperature)

2 oz parmesan (freshly grated)

1 bunch basil (roughly chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes, grate the parmesan, and roughly chop the basil. Prepare all spices.

Step 2: In a large baking dish, combine tomato paste with oregano, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well to create a spice base.

Step 3: Add the rinsed rice, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the dish. Mix thoroughly so the rice is coated evenly and tomatoes are spread throughout.

Step 4: Nestle chicken breasts evenly into the rice mixture. Pour the chicken stock over everything, ensuring the rice is mostly submerged.

Step 5: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, stir rice gently, and check if chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and rice is tender.

Step 6: If needed, cover and bake another 10-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is creamy. Let the rice settle for a minute after removing from oven before proceeding.

Step 7: Remove chicken from dish and set aside. Stir room-temperature cream into the hot rice gently to create a creamy sauce.

Step 8: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan over the rice and stir until it melts completely into the cream.

Step 9: Return chicken breasts to the dish and nestle into the creamy rice. Scatter fresh basil over the top just before serving.

Tips & Variations

Using room temperature cream prevents curdling when stirred into hot rice for a smooth sauce.

Freshly grated parmesan melts better than pre-shredded, enhancing creaminess.

Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes in the spice mix for a mild kick of heat.

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 baking time accordingly and check for doneness before adding cream.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use chopped roasted red peppers or diced fresh tomatoes, though the flavor will be milder and less concentrated.