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Fresh spinach is not only a nutritious addition to your Honey Balsamic Chicken Rice Bake, but it also brings a lovely vibrant green color that brightens the dish. Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for enhancing the nutritional profile of your meal. Its mild flavor complements the sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar, ensuring each bite is a delightful balance of tastes.

Honey Balsamic Chicken Rice Bake

Create a heartwarming meal that brings family together with this Honey Balsamic Chicken Rice Bake. This easy-to-make dish features tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy honey balsamic sauce, served over fluffy jasmine rice, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors that comfort and nourish. Dive into the ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for an unforgettable dining experience.
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup uncooked jasmine rice

2 cups chicken broth

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.

    Marinate the Chicken: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper until the honey is fully dissolved. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, making sure they are evenly coated in the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to overnight to enhance the flavor.

      Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil. Spread the uncooked jasmine rice evenly across the bottom of the dish, ensuring there are no clumps for even cooking.

        Add Chicken Broth: Gently pour the chicken broth over the layer of rice. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on top of the broth and rice for subtle seasoning, then lightly stir with a fork to combine.

          Incorporate Vegetables: Evenly distribute the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach over the rice and broth mixture, giving it a colorful touch and adding nutrition.

            Arrange the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs directly on top of the rice and vegetables. Drizzle any remaining marinade from the bowl over the chicken to infuse more flavor into the bake.

              Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to create a steaming effect, which helps the rice cook perfectly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!) and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and the rice is tender.

                Add Cheese: Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken. Place the dish back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become wonderfully bubbly.

                  Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to set. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped basil for a burst of freshness and color. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors in your Honey Balsamic Chicken Rice Bake!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 1 hr 5 mins | 4 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the dish directly in the baking dish, or plate individual portions and sprinkle additional fresh basil on top for garnish. Enjoy!