Mediterranean Style Dice Rice Bake Recipe

A vibrant and flavorful rice casserole inspired by Portuguese baked rice! This budget-friendly recipe is perfect for potlucks or a comforting weeknight meal. Layers of creamy white sauce, juicy tomato sauce, and savory diced rice with chicken and vegetables create a dish that's both beautiful and delicious. Imagine tender chicken, colorful capsicum, zucchini, and eggplant mingling with perfectly cooked rice, all bathed in rich sauces. This Mediterranean-inspired bake is sure to become a family favorite!

Prep Time 45 mins

Cook Time 135 mins

Calories 391.3 kcal

Protein 28g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Style Dice Rice Bake

4 tablespoons (57g) butter
1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
Chicken Bouillon Powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
Fresh Ground Pepper
Table Cream
Cheese
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
Garlic Cloves
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
Ground Cloves
2 bay leaves
1 cup (200g) baby carrots
Tomatoes
Roma Tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon sugar
Chicken Fillets
1 cup diced zucchini
1 cup diced eggplant
Yellow Pepper
1 cup sliced mushrooms
Cooked Brown Rice
Mozzarella Cheese
Fresh Parsley

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How to Make Mediterranean Style Dice Rice Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
**Make the White Sauce:** Melt 4 tablespoons (57g) butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon chicken powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until smooth.
Gradually whisk in 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream and 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add 2-4 tablespoons milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
**Make the Tomato Sauce:** Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Sauté 1/2 cup chopped onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 clove minced garlic, and 2 bay leaves until fragrant (about 5 minutes).
Add 1 cup (200g) baby carrots and 1 cup (200g) diced tomatoes. Cook until tender and juicy (about 8-10 minutes).
Stir in 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes.
**Prepare the Dice Rice:** Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a wok over medium heat. Sauté 1/2 cup chopped onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and 1/2 teaspoon chicken powder until fragrant.
Add 1.5 cups cooked chicken, diced (about 1 cup diced), and sauté until heated through.
Stir in 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 1 cup diced capsicum (bell pepper), 1 cup diced zucchini, and 1 cup diced eggplant. Cook until heated through.
Remove from heat. In a large bowl, combine the sautéed ingredients with 2 cups cooked rice.
**Assemble and Bake:** Layer the ingredients in a greased rectangular casserole dish: 1) white sauce, 2) tomato sauce, 3) diced rice mixture. Top with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Serving suggestions: Serve as a main course with a strawberry spinach salad and peach melba for dessert. Pairs well with white or rosé wine.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

24 g

Sugar

22g

Fat

38g

Carbs

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Poultry Chicken Recipes European Mediterranean Summer Recipes Baking

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Mediterranean Style Dice Rice Bake?

Mediterranean Style Dice Rice Bake takes about 180 minutes from start to finish — roughly 45 minutes to prepare and 135 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Mediterranean Style Dice Rice Bake?

Mediterranean Style Dice Rice Bake has approximately 391.3 calories per serving, with about 28 g protein, 9 g carbohydrates and 38 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Mediterranean Style Dice Rice Bake?

The key ingredients for Mediterranean Style Dice Rice Bake are Butter, Flour, Chicken Bouillon Powder, Salt, Fresh Ground Pepper, Table Cream. See the full list with measurements above.