Description
Enjoy a comforting, one-pan oven-baked chicken and rice dish with juicy, seasoned chicken and perfectly fluffy rice infused with rich flavors. Perfect for meal prep and easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 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
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
- Spicy Kick – Add 1/2 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 1/2 cup of broth.
- Boneless Chicken – If using boneless thighs or breasts, reduce the cooking time by 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, comfort food
Keywords: oven-baked chicken, chicken and rice, one-pan meal, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, meal prep, baked chicken thighs