Description
A flavorful and comforting one-pan meal, Oven Baked Chicken Rice combines juicy, seasoned chicken with fluffy, aromatic rice. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy dish is packed with rich flavors and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
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 (rinsed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth (or stock)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and rub with a seasoning mix of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 3–4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Rice: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic for 2 minutes. Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for another minute.
- Add the Liquid: Pour in chicken broth, water, salt, black pepper, thyme, and butter (if using). Stir well.
- Bake the Dish: Place the seared chicken on top of the rice, skin-side up. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the rice is tender.
- Rest and Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve hot.
Notes
- Spicy Option: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne or chili flakes.
- Mediterranean Twist: Mix in chopped tomatoes, olives, and oregano.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in peas, carrots, or bell peppers before baking.
- Protein Variations: Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Global / Comfort Food
Keywords: Oven baked chicken rice, one-pan chicken and rice, easy baked chicken, family dinner recipe, meal prep chicken