Name: Creamy Chicken Ross il-Forn Bake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Maltese cuisine
Ingredients: 250 g rice (short-grain or arborio); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 pcs onion (medium, finely chopped); 2 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 500 g chicken breast (boneless, skinless); 400 g tomato sauce (canned crushed tomatoes); 120 ml cream (heavy cream); 250 ml chicken broth; 1 tsp dried oregano; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 100 g mozzarella cheese (shredded); 50 g parmesan cheese (grated)

A golden-brown chicken and pasta bake, bubbling with creamy sauce and topped with melted cheese, is presented in a rustic ceramic dish under warm, inviting light.

Prep: 30 min • Cook: 40 min. A comforting variation of the traditional Maltese Ross il-Forn that reinterprets classic flavors by swapping minced meat for tender, shredded chicken breast. The chicken is simmered in a rich and creamy tomato sauce, then layered with fluffy rice and baked until golden brown with a delicious cheesy crust. This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for a family meal, offering a delightful twist on a beloved comfort food.

Preparation time: 30 min
Cooking time: 40 min
Total time: 1 hr 10 min
Servings: 6

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

1Cook chicken breasts in boiling water or broth until fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes. Remove and shred with two forks. Set aside.

Cook the Sauce

1In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
4Reduce heat, stir in the heavy cream and shredded chicken. Mix well and keep warm.

Prepare the Rice and Assemble

1Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
2Cook rice according to package instructions, or until al dente. Drain any excess water.
3In a large oven-safe baking dish, spread half of the cooked rice evenly at the bottom.
4Spoon the creamy chicken and tomato sauce mixture over the rice layer.
5Cover the chicken mixture with the remaining cooked rice.

Bake

1Sprinkle both mozzarella and parmesan cheeses generously over the top of the rice.
2Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. If needed, broil for the last few minutes for extra crispiness.
3Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

1Cook chicken breasts in boiling water or broth until fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes. Remove and shred with two forks. Set aside.

Cook the Sauce

1In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
4Reduce heat, stir in the heavy cream and shredded chicken. Mix well and keep warm.

Prepare the Rice and Assemble

1Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
2Cook rice according to package instructions, or until al dente. Drain any excess water.
3In a large oven-safe baking dish, spread half of the cooked rice evenly at the bottom.
4Spoon the creamy chicken and tomato sauce mixture over the rice layer.
5Cover the chicken mixture with the remaining cooked rice.

Bake

1Sprinkle both mozzarella and parmesan cheeses generously over the top of the rice.
2Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. If needed, broil for the last few minutes for extra crispiness.
3Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 551 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 26 g
Carbs: 45 g

Nutrient	Per serving
Calories	551 kcal
Protein	35 g
Fat	26 g
Carbs	45 g

Tips

For extra flavor, cook the chicken breasts in seasoned chicken broth rather than plain water.
If the cheese browns too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with foil during baking and remove
Serve with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the creamy chicken bake.