Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Introduction

There’s something magical about a one-pan meal that comes together with minimal effort and delivers a hearty, satisfying dish. That’s exactly what this Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is all about. Imagine perfectly tender chicken, seasoned with aromatic herbs, baking in a bed of fluffy, flavorful rice. Every bite is comforting, and best of all, it’s so easy to prepare!

This dish has quickly become one of my family’s favorite weeknight meals. It’s the kind of meal that you can throw together without much thought but still end up with a delicious, hearty dinner. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m cooking for my family on a busy Tuesday night or preparing for a special Sunday dinner, this dish is foolproof. The combination of chicken and rice has that classic comfort food feel, but it’s also just a little extra special because it’s all baked in one pan. That means fewer dishes to wash—a win in my book!

The beauty of Oven Baked Chicken and Rice lies in how it takes care of itself. Once it’s in the oven, you’re free to relax while the kitchen fills with mouthwatering smells. I love how the rice absorbs the juices from the chicken, creating a perfectly balanced dish. It’s flavorful, juicy, and filling—just the kind of meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, flavorful dinner that the whole family will enjoy, this Oven Baked Chicken and Rice recipe is a must-try! Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:

• Minimal prep time: The ingredients are simple, and there’s very little hands-on time required. Just season the chicken, layer it over rice, and let the oven do all the work!
• A one-pan meal: Who doesn’t love an easy clean-up? Everything cooks together in one pan, making the process less stressful and saving you from extra dishes.
• Perfectly seasoned chicken: The chicken stays juicy and tender while the seasonings infuse the rice with incredible flavor. It’s like two meals in one!
• Comforting and filling: The hearty rice pairs so well with the chicken, making it a satisfying dish for everyone. Whether you’re feeding kids or adults, this dish will hit the spot every time.
• Flexible and customizable: Want to add extra veggies or change up the seasoning? This recipe is super versatile! You can tweak it to fit your taste preferences, and it’ll still be just as delicious.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes 1 hour bake time)
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 people
• Calories per serving: Approx. 500 calories per serving
• Macronutrients:
  • Protein: 40g
  • Carbs: 45g
  • Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Oven Baked Chicken and Rice:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts, if preferred)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (you can use brown rice, but adjust cooking time)
• 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium is ideal)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh if available)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the chicken)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, for added color and nutrients)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Why these ingredients?

• The chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay moist and flavorful as they bake. You can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out slightly.
• Rice acts as the perfect base for this dish, absorbing the flavorful juices from the chicken while cooking.
• Chicken broth infuses the rice with rich, savory flavor.
• Herbs and spices (like rosemary, thyme, paprika, and garlic) make this dish burst with savory goodness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the chicken and ensuring the rice cooks evenly.
2. Brown the chicken:
   • In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure crispy skin.
   • Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
   • Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
   • Flip the chicken and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through—just a nice brown on both sides will do.
   • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for a moment.
3. Prepare the rice base:
   • In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the onion and garlic for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
   • Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat the rice in the oil and onion mixture.
   • Pour in the chicken broth, and stir to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat.
4. Arrange the chicken:
   • Nestle the browned chicken thighs into the rice, skin-side up. This way, the skin stays crisp while baking and flavors the rice.
   • If you want, add frozen peas at this point for a pop of color and added flavor.
5. Bake the dish:
   • Cover the skillet or baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid, and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes for chicken thighs (or a little less if using chicken breasts). The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
   • During the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the foil to let the chicken skin crisp up.
6. Rest and serve:
   • Once the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender, remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Serve

This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a meal on its own, but you can elevate it with a few side dishes:

• Serve with a simple green salad: A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the chicken and rice.
• Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls: If you want to indulge, a crusty loaf of garlic bread is the perfect side to mop up any leftover rice.
• Roasted vegetables: Try roasted carrots, broccoli, or asparagus for a well-rounded meal.
• For kids: Serve over buttered noodles if they’re not fans of rice!

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make sure your Oven Baked Chicken and Rice turns out perfectly:

1. Sear the chicken first: This adds a crispy, flavorful layer to the chicken skin and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
2. Use bone-in, skin-on chicken: This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful as it bakes. Bone-in chicken thighs are ideal, but breasts will work if that’s what you prefer.
3. Don’t skip the foil: Covering the dish during baking helps the rice cook evenly and absorb all the delicious broth. If you skip this step, the rice might dry out.
4. Let the dish rest: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together and gives the rice a chance to firm up.
5. Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to tweak the seasoning to your taste. If you like a bit of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own! Here are a few ideas:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with a mix of hearty vegetables, such as roasted mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian meal.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free chicken broth and avoid any bread-based sides.
• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in some chopped carrots, peas, or spinach for added nutrition. Just make sure to layer them in with the rice so they cook properly.
• Spicy Kick: Add a bit of heat by including some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix.

Serving Suggestions

This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes:

• Side Dishes: Serve with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or try roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for a fresh contrast to the rich chicken and rice.
• Wine Pairing: If you’re a wine drinker, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the dish perfectly. For red wine lovers, a light-bodied Pinot Noir works beautifully.
• For Kids: Serve with buttered noodles or soft dinner rolls for a kid-friendly version of the meal.

Freezing and Storage

You can easily make extra and store it for later! Here’s how:

• Storage: Let any leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Freezing: If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, this dish freezes well! Simply let the cooked chicken and rice cool, then place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or microwave it in a covered dish.

Special Equipment

• Oven-safe skillet or baking dish: A large, heavy-duty skillet or baking dish works best for this recipe, especially for the even distribution of heat.
• Meat thermometer: This will help ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts will work, but they cook a little quicker than thighs, so be sure to check them after about 35 minutes of baking.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and rice in advance, cover, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I freeze the chicken and rice?
Yes! After baking, let it cool completely before freezing. You can store it for up to 3 months and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

How can I keep the rice from burning?
Make sure to cover the dish with foil while it bakes, and check halfway through. If the rice looks dry, you can add a little more broth before continuing to bake.

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Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Oven Baked Chicken and Rice! It’s the perfect comfort food that’s easy to make, delicious, and sure to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table. Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you try it out, and feel free to share your photos on social media. Tag me—I’d love to see your version of this simple, hearty meal!

So, go ahead—grab your ingredients and start cooking! Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!