Bachelor Chicken & Baked Beans (Total Recipe Time: 35 Minutes)
Ah, the joys of moving into your own place! You get the freedom, the privacy and the exciting realization that if you don’t cook something, there is a very real possibility that nobody else will. This was one of my first self-prepared homewarming bachelor meals after moving into my own space.
Nothing fancy, nothing that required me to suddenly become Gordon Ramsay—just fluffy long-grain rice paired with diced chicken and baked beans simmered together in a simple, rich sauce. And the best part? Twenty-five minutes. For someone still becoming acquainted with the reality that dinner no longer magically appears in the kitchen, I considered that a major accomplishment. The result was filling, saucy, easy to prepare and delicious enough for me to make again—which, in bachelor cooking terms, means the experiment was officially a success.
Recipe: Ingredients (Prep Time: 10 minutes)
- Rice: 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice.
- Chicken: About 1 cup diced boneless chicken.
- Baked Beans: 1 small can baked beans.
- Meat Seasoning: 1–2 tsp meat seasoning, or to taste.
- Black Pepper: ¼ tsp for the chicken, plus a light sprinkle for the rice.
- Ketchup: 2–3 tbsp.
- Water: About ¼ cup for the chicken-and-bean sauce, plus water for cooking the rice.
- Oil: 1–2 tsp cooking oil.
- Salt: A small amount for the rice, to taste.
Recipe: Finally! Let’s Cook (Cook Time: 25 Minutes)
- Rice: Rinse your long-grain rice, then cook according to the package directions with a small amount of salt and a light sprinkle of black pepper. Mine takes roughly 20 minutes to become nice and fluffy.
- Chicken: While the rice cooks, season the diced chicken with meat seasoning and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat your cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned. • Bring on the sauce: Add the baked beans, ketchup and approximately ¼ cup water. Stir everything together so the chicken gets properly acquainted with the sauce.
- Simmer: Allow the chicken and baked beans to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
- Finale: Spoon your fluffy rice onto the plate, add a generous serving of your saucy chicken and baked beans, and dinner is served!
Want to Explore More Homemade Recipes and Kitchen Experiments?
My Kitchen Creations: Original Recipes and Cooking Experiments
This recipe is part of my growing collection of homemade dishes, creative ingredient combinations and unexpected kitchen discoveries. Explore more of my cooking adventures and the personal stories behind the meals that made it onto my table.
Could This Be Your Next Quick Meal?
You don’t need an overflowing spice cabinet or hours in the kitchen to make yourself something satisfying. If you simply need something quick after a long day—give my Bachelor Chicken & Baked Beans Rice a try.
