
This homemade version captures the classic Campbell’s flavor with a foolproof one-dish method. Tender chicken and fluffy rice bake together with savory herbs for a meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying.
No canned soups here—just simple ingredients that deliver the same comforting taste. The secret lies in the seasoning blend and precise baking time for perfectly cooked results every time.
Ingredients for Campbell’s Supper Bakes Herb Chicken with Rice Copycat
Simple pantry staples recreate this comforting one-dish classic with ease and precision.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts 🍗 | 1 ½ lb | Cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Long-Grain White Rice 🍚 | 1 ½ cups | Uncooked, rinsed before use |
| Chicken Broth 🥣 | 2 ½ cups | Low-sodium preferred for control |
| Cream of Chicken Soup 🍲 | 1 can | 10.5 oz can, condensed |
| Butter 🧈 | 2 tbsp | Unsalted, melted |
| Dried Thyme 🌿 | 1 tsp | Rubbed between fingers to release flavor |
| Dried Rosemary 🍃 | 1 tsp | Crushed to activate oils |
| Garlic Powder 🧄 | 1 tsp | Not garlic salt |
| Onion Powder 🧅 | 1 tsp | Freshly opened for potency |
| Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | Diamond Crystal kosher salt preferred |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ¼ tsp | Freshly ground for best results |
| Paprika 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Sweet or smoked variety |
| Celery Salt 🧂 | ¼ tsp | Optional but authentic to original |
For authentic flavor, Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup is essential—use the condensed version. The chicken should be fresh, not frozen, cut uniformly for even cooking. Long-grain white rice yields the fluffiest texture; avoid instant or parboiled varieties. Most supermarkets carry all needed ingredients, with Whole Foods offering high-quality organic herbs and broths.
No cream of chicken soup? Substitute cream of mushroom or make a roux with butter, flour, and broth. Dried herbs at half the amount can replace fresh if needed—though fresh thyme and rosemary elevate the dish. Vegetable broth works for a lighter version, but adjust seasoning accordingly. Celery salt is traditional; omit if unavailable (the dish remains flavorful).
Store uncooked chicken in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for 9 months. Prepared dish keeps 3-4 days refrigerated and reheats well. For best results, consume within 2 days of baking to retain optimal texture and moisture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- I’ll be real: five simple ingredients and one pan means I’m not breaking the bank or my back to get dinner on the table.
- One Pan Magic: I toss everything in a single dish—chicken, rice, broth, and soup—and let the oven do the work.
- Creamy Herb Comfort: The butter and cream of chicken soup create this rich, velvety sauce that soaks into the rice. Honestly, it tastes just like the boxed version I grew up with.
- Feeds the Crew: Between us, this stretches to feed my family of four with leftovers for lunch the next day.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Herb Chicken With Rice
This method delivers the nostalgic comfort of the classic one-dish meal with superior homemade quality.
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Cut the 1.5 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts into 1-inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels. This ensures even cooking and proper browning. Season both sides with the 1 tsp Garlic Powder, 1 tsp Onion Powder, 0.5 tsp Salt, 0.25 tsp Black Pepper, 0.5 tsp Paprika, and 0.25 tsp Celery Salt.
Heat the 2 tbsp Butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foaming. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on both sides. The chicken doesn’t need to cook through at this stage—just develop color and flavor. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Toast the Rice and Build the Base
In the same skillet, add the 1.5 cups Long-Grain White Rice and stir for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the rice and prevents a gummy texture. You’ll notice the rice turn from translucent to slightly opaque.
Add the 1 tsp Dried Thyme and 1 tsp Dried Rosemary to the skillet with the rice. I rub the dried herbs between my fingers as I sprinkle them in to release their essential oils. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant—this blooms the spices and deepens their impact in the final dish.
Step 3: Combine Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup and 2.5 cups Chicken Broth, stirring to combine with the rice and herbs. The mixture should be slightly thick but pourable. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nesting the pieces into the rice mixture. This ensures the chicken finishes cooking while infusing the rice with its savory flavors.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, and the chicken registers 165°F internally. Avoid stirring during this time to prevent breaking the rice grains.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from heat. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes—this allows the rice to steam and finish absorbing any remaining liquid, while the chicken rests and redistributes its juices.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve hot. The dish should have a creamy consistency from the soup, with each grain of rice distinct and the chicken moist and flavorful. The herbs will be evenly distributed, and the paprika will lend a subtle warmth and color to every bite.
Pro Tips For Making Campbell’S Supper Bakes Herb Chicken With Rice Copycat
- Pre-Cook the Rice: Par-cook the rice in chicken broth for 10 minutes before baking—this prevents that dreaded crunchy center. I learned this the hard way after pulling out a pan of half-raw rice more times than I care to admit.
- Pound the Chicken: Flatten the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness so they cook through without drying out. Sounds tedious, but it works: no more dry edges and raw middles.
- Dilute the Soup: Thin the cream of chicken soup with ¼ cup broth before mixing—it spreads better and keeps the dish from turning into a gluey mess. My grandmother swore by this, and she was right.
- Butter Last: Dot the butter on top just before baking, not while mixing. This keeps the rice from turning greasy and gives you that rich, golden finish on the chicken.
Troubleshooting This Recipe
Rice Turns Gummy
If your rice ends up sticky or mushy, you likely stirred it during cooking or used too much liquid. Stick to 1.5 cups rice and 2.5 cups broth ratio. Also, avoid lifting the lid while simmering—trapped steam is essential for even cooking. 💡
Dry or Tough Chicken
Overcooked chicken often means the internal temp exceeded 165°F. Use a meat thermometer and pull it at exactly 160°F—it’ll rise to 165°F during resting. Also, ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for consistent cooking.
Bland Flavor
If the dish tastes flat, your herbs may be old or you skipped the searing step. Always bloom thyme and rosemary in the butter, and use fresh, high-quality broth. I prefer Swanson or Better Than Bouillon for depth.
Liquid Not Absorbed
If the rice is cooked but watery, simmer uncovered for 3-5 minutes. If rice is undercooked but liquid is gone, add ¼ cup hot broth and cover for 5 minutes. The rice should absorb 2:1 liquid-to-rice ratio by volume.
Uneven Cooking
This usually happens with uneven heat distribution. Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. If baking in the oven, ensure it’s preheated to 375°F and the dish is centered on the rack. Rotate the pan halfway through if needed.
Herbs Taste Bitter
Dried herbs can turn bitter if burned. Toast them only until fragrant (30 seconds max) and keep heat at medium. If using fresh herbs, add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking to preserve their delicate flavors. ✨
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but adjust the liquid to 3 cups broth and extend simmering time to 40-45 minutes. Brown rice needs more moisture and time to soften.
How do I make this ahead of time?
Assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes. Add 5 minutes if baking from cold.
Why does my rice come out mushy?
This usually happens from stirring during cooking or using too much liquid. Stick to the 1.5 cups rice and 2.5 cups broth ratio, and avoid lifting the lid.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Stir in 1 cup of diced carrots, peas, or bell peppers with the rice. For firmer veggies like broccoli, add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
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