Preparing the Dish:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Rice and Broth: In the prepared baking dish, spread the rinsed and drained rice evenly. Pour the sautéed vegetables over the rice. Then, carefully pour the chicken broth over the rice and vegetable mixture.
- Prepare the Chutney Mayo Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, chutney, curry powder, soy sauce, and grated ginger. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture will create a rich, flavorful sauce that will coat the chicken and rice as they bake.
- Assemble the Bake: Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice and vegetable layer. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper. Then, spread the chutney mayo sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Baking:
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Uncover and Broil: Remove the foil and broil for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden and the chicken is fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
Serving:
- Garnish and Serve: Once the dish is baked to perfection, let it stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, toasted sliced almonds or cashews, and green onions for added flavor and crunch.
- Enjoy: Serve the Chutney Mayo Chicken & Rice Bake hot, offering a harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors with every bite. The succulent chicken, flavorful rice, and aromatic sauce make for a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and delightful to eat.
Tips:
- Rice Consistency: For a drier rice texture, reduce the amount of broth slightly. For moister rice, ensure the dish is tightly covered while baking to prevent too much evaporation.
- Customizing the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the amount of curry powder in the sauce to suit your taste preferences. Adding a bit of lemon juice can also introduce a bright, tangy element to the sauce.
This Chutney Mayo Chicken & Rice Bake is a comforting dish that brings together a wonderful array of flavors, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Enjoy the process of creating this flavorful bake and the delicious moments it brings to your table.