Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe

Are you ready for a super easy and yummy dinner? Oven-baked chicken and rice is a simple meal that tastes amazing every time. Trust me, it’s one of my favorite recipes to make when I’m short on time but still want something delicious.

The chicken comes out juicy, and the rice is so flavorful. Everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. I love how easy it is to put together!

If you need a quick, no-fuss dinner, this recipe is the one to try. Let’s get started and make this yummy meal together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Everything bakes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
• Flavorful Chicken: Bone-in chicken thighs ensure juicy meat that absorbs all the delicious spices.
• Comforting Meal: A warm and satisfying dish that’s perfect for cozy nights.
• Minimal Effort: Just a few steps and you’ve got a delicious, hearty meal ready to go.
• Versatile: This dish can be customized with different seasonings and add-ins to suit your taste.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings: This recipe makes 4 servings, ideal for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. You can easily double the recipe for larger batches.

Difficulty: This recipe is beginner-friendly with simple steps and minimal cooking techniques.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this oven-baked chicken and rice recipe, ensure you have the following tools:

• Oven-safe Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe.
• Sharp Knife: For chopping the onion and garlic.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: To ensure accurate measurements of spices and liquids.
• Large Spoon or Tongs: For stirring the rice mixture and handling the chicken.
• Aluminum Foil: Optional, for covering the baking dish during the initial baking time.

Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish:

• Bone-in chicken thigh fillets: The bone-in chicken thighs are perfect for retaining moisture while baking.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the rice and chicken.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dish an aromatic and bold flavor.
• Butter (or olive oil): Used to sauté the onion and garlic, providing richness to the dish.
• Uncooked white rice: The rice absorbs all the flavors from the chicken, broth, and spices.
• Chicken broth/stock: Adds depth of flavor to the rice and keeps it moist while cooking.
• Water: Used in combination with the chicken broth to cook the rice evenly.
• Paprika powder: Adds color and a mild smoky flavor to the dish.
• Dried thyme: A classic herb that pairs beautifully with chicken and rice.
• Garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavor of the chicken.
• Onion powder: Complements the fresh onion and adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Salt: Balances the flavors and helps enhance the natural tastes of the ingredients.
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and brings all the flavors together.
• Oil spray: A light coating to prevent the chicken from sticking during baking.
• Fresh thyme leaves or parsley (optional): For garnish and added freshness.

Variations for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some peas, carrots, or bell peppers with the rice for added nutrition and color.
• Use Chicken Breasts: If you prefer white meat, swap bone-in thighs for chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the rice for a spicy version.
• Cheesy Rice: Stir in some shredded cheese, like cheddar or Parmesan, into the rice for a cheesy, comforting twist.
• Coconut Rice: Swap the chicken broth for coconut milk for a tropical, creamy flavor.

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by prepping the chicken. If you haven’t done so already, remove the skin from the bone-in chicken thighs. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the chicken skin crisp up as it bakes. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the seasonings into the meat, ensuring that each piece is coated evenly. Set the chicken aside for a few minutes to allow the flavors to settle in.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter (or olive oil) over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning. The garlic will release a wonderful aroma, which will infuse the rice and chicken with flavor.

3. Prepare the Rice Mixture

In your baking dish, add the uncooked white rice. Pour in the hot chicken broth and water. Stir to combine, ensuring that the rice is evenly spread out. Add in the sautéed onion and garlic mixture from the skillet. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your taste. This will be the base for the rice as it absorbs the flavors from the chicken and broth during baking.

4. Arrange the Chicken on Top

Once the rice mixture is prepared, place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice. Make sure they are evenly spaced so that each piece has room to cook properly. If you’d like, you can lightly spray the top of the chicken with oil to help it crisp up in the oven. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to ensure the chicken stays moist while baking.

5. Bake the Chicken and Rice

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the covered baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The chicken will cook through, and the rice will absorb the delicious broth and seasoning. After the initial baking time, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes to allow the chicken to brown and crisp up on top. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C), and the rice should be fully cooked and tender.

How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

This oven-baked chicken and rice dish is a complete meal on its own, but there are many ways to serve it for a well-rounded, satisfying dinner. Here are some ideas:

• With a Side Salad: Pair it with a simple side salad like a fresh green salad or a tangy cucumber and tomato salad. The crispness of the vegetables will contrast beautifully with the richness of the chicken and rice.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
• With Garlic Bread: If you love bread, garlic bread or crusty dinner rolls would be a great addition to soak up the savory juices from the chicken and rice.
• Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the dish with fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley for an added burst of freshness and color.
• Serve with a Tangy Sauce: If you prefer some extra flavor, drizzle some of your favorite sauce, like a lemon herb sauce or even a creamy mustard sauce, over the chicken.

Storing Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

If you have leftovers (which are perfect for meal prep), here’s how to store them:

• In the Fridge: Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer the chicken and rice to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing Leftovers: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and rice. Place it in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. It will keep for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave a portion in a microwave-safe dish for about 2-3 minutes, or heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Ensure Even Cooking: Make sure the chicken thighs are evenly spaced in the baking dish so they cook properly.
• Flavor Boost: If you like your rice extra flavorful, add a bay leaf or a cinnamon stick to the rice mixture before baking.
• Check Rice Doneness: If the rice isn’t fully cooked after the suggested baking time, cover the dish with foil again and return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.
• Crisp the Chicken: If you want the skin to be extra crispy, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time, but be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Nutrition Information

Here is the approximate nutrition breakdown for one serving of oven-baked chicken and rice:

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	430 kcal
Protein	30g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fiber	2g
Sugars	2g
Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	75mg
Sodium	500mg
Potassium	350mg

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can swap chicken breasts for thighs. However, chicken breasts will cook faster, so be sure to check the internal temperature to prevent overcooking.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to the rice mixture before baking for extra flavor and nutrition.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. The chicken will also be golden brown on top and juicy when cut into.

Conclusion

Oven-baked chicken and rice is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week. With tender chicken thighs and fluffy, flavorful rice, this recipe provides a well-rounded, satisfying meal. Whether you stick to the basics or add your favorite variations, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy!