Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

A Hearty One-Pan Comfort Meal

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a simple, satisfying dish that delivers juicy, tender chicken nestled in perfectly cooked, flavorful rice. This recipe is a great option for a stress-free weeknight dinner, requiring minimal preparation and using only one pan for easy cleanup. With well-seasoned chicken and rice infused with aromatic broth, it’s a meal the whole family will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Convenience – Everything cooks together in one dish, making preparation and cleanup effortless.
• Perfectly Cooked Rice – Baking ensures the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors while cooking evenly.
• Juicy, Flavorful Chicken – Baking the chicken on top of the rice keeps it moist, tender, and well-seasoned.
• Customizable – Easily adjust seasonings or add vegetables to make it your own.
• Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleasing meal that pairs well with simple sides like a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

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Ingredients

For the chicken:

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

For the rice:

• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust based on broth saltiness)

Optional add-ins:

• 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (add in the last 10 minutes of baking)
• ½ teaspoon turmeric for a golden hue and mild spice
• Sliced mushrooms for an earthy depth

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, then coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice Mixture

1. In a large ovenproof dish (9×13-inch recommended), add rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, parsley, butter, and salt.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture.
2. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the foil, then bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is golden brown with crispy skin.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

• Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before fluffing the rice and serving. Enjoy!

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Variations

• Boneless Chicken – Use boneless, skinless thighs or breasts but reduce the baking time to prevent drying out.
• Brown Rice – Swap white rice for brown rice, increasing the broth to 3 ¾ cups and baking for about 1 hour.
• Spicy Kick – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
• Coconut Rice – Replace half the chicken broth with coconut milk for a rich, slightly sweet flavor.
• Vegetable Boost – Stir in bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrition and color.

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Servings and Cooking Time

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

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Add a splash of broth to prevent the rice from drying out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent mushy rice?

Use long-grain rice and avoid over-stirring before baking. Covering the dish for the first part of baking ensures even cooking without over-softening the rice.

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes! Drumsticks, boneless thighs, or chicken breasts work, but adjust the baking time accordingly.

What if I don’t have an ovenproof dish?

You can start the rice in a stovetop pan and transfer it to a baking dish before adding the chicken.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking. Increase baking time by 5-10 minutes.

Is it okay to use instant rice?

No, instant rice will cook too quickly and become mushy. Stick to long-grain rice for the best texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Replace butter with olive oil or omit it entirely.

How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

After baking, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes until the skin crisps up.

Can I add cheese?

Absolutely! Sprinkle Parmesan or shredded cheddar over the rice during the last 10 minutes of baking.

What’s the best way to add more flavor?

Use homemade broth, add a splash of lemon juice, or mix in a teaspoon of soy sauce for umami depth.

Can I use frozen chicken?

For best results, thaw chicken before baking to ensure even cooking.

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Conclusion

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a foolproof, comforting dish that delivers delicious results with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for an easy family dinner or a meal-prep-friendly dish, this one-pan wonder is sure to satisfy. With customizable options and simple storage, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your rotation. Try it out today!

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