Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

A Comforting, One-Pan Meal

Oven-baked chicken and rice is a classic comfort dish that brings together juicy, seasoned chicken and perfectly fluffy rice in one pan. This simple yet flavorful meal requires minimal effort but delivers rich, savory flavors. With the chicken cooking directly over the rice, the drippings infuse the grains, creating a depth of taste that is hard to beat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Simplicity – Fewer dishes to clean means more time to enjoy your meal.
• Juicy, Flavorful Chicken – Cooking in the oven ensures tender, well-seasoned chicken.
• Perfectly Cooked Rice – Absorbing chicken drippings and seasonings makes every bite delicious.
• Great for Meal Prep – Reheats well for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Customizable – Add vegetables or switch up the spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati works well)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized ovenproof pan.

2. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. Rub the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken. Drizzle with olive oil and set aside.

3. Prepare the Rice

In the greased baking dish, add the rice, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to distribute the ingredients evenly. Drizzle melted butter over the top.

4. Arrange the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the rice, skin side up. The juices from the chicken will enhance the flavor of the rice as it bakes.

5. Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the chicken is golden brown, and the rice is tender and fluffy.

6. Rest and Serve

Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a bit of heat.
• Vegetable Boost – Stir in peas, carrots, or bell peppers with the rice for added nutrition.
• Brown Rice Option – Use brown rice and increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes, adding an extra ½ cup of broth.
• Boneless Chicken – If using boneless thighs or breasts, reduce the cooking time by 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

FAQs

How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Use long-grain rice and avoid stirring the dish after adding the liquid. Properly covering it during baking helps retain the right texture.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out. Reduce the uncovered baking time by 10 minutes if using boneless breasts.

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain varieties like jasmine or basmati work well, as they absorb the flavors without becoming overly sticky.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Should I rinse the rice before cooking?

Rinsing helps remove excess starch, preventing a gummy texture. If using jasmine or basmati rice, a quick rinse is recommended.

Can I add cheese on top?

Absolutely! Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken and rice in the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy finish.

What other seasonings work well?

Try Cajun seasoning, curry powder, or a mix of lemon zest and oregano for a different flavor profile.

Do I need to sear the chicken before baking?

No, but searing in a pan before baking can add extra crispiness to the skin and deepen the flavor.

Can I use skinless chicken?

Yes, but the skin helps keep the meat moist. If using skinless chicken, consider brushing it with butter or oil to prevent drying out.

What can I serve with this dish?

A side salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed greens complement the meal perfectly.

Conclusion

Oven-baked chicken and rice is an easy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. With simple ingredients and a hands-off cooking process, this dish delivers juicy, tender chicken and deliciously infused rice in one pan. Customize it with your favorite vegetables and spices to make it your own!

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