Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Introduction

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is your ticket to a comforting, flavor-packed meal with minimal effort! This one-pan wonder combines juicy, well-seasoned chicken thighs with fluffy, perfectly cooked rice, creating a dish that’s rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. As the chicken bakes, its juices infuse the rice with deep, savory flavor, making every bite a delicious blend of texture and taste.

I still remember the first time I made this dish on a chilly evening—it filled the kitchen with the most inviting aroma, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can season the chicken with classic herbs and spices, go bold with a touch of paprika or Cajun seasoning, or even add veggies like carrots and peas for extra color and nutrition.

Best of all, everything cooks together in one pan, meaning less hassle and cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed Sunday dinners. Whether you’re looking for a go-to comfort meal or an easy crowd-pleaser, Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is sure to become a household favorite!

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Meal prepping
• Family-friendly meals
• One-pan cooking enthusiasts
• Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Here’s why Oven Baked Chicken and Rice will become a staple in your kitchen:

• One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks together in a single dish, making cleanup a breeze.
• Perfectly Cooked Rice: The rice absorbs the flavors from the broth and seasonings, making it incredibly flavorful.
• Juicy, Flavorful Chicken: Baking the chicken directly over the rice keeps it moist while infusing the dish with rich flavor.
• Customizable: You can easily add vegetables, adjust seasonings, or swap in different types of chicken.
• Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, this recipe is easy enough for beginners but tastes like a gourmet meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Oven Baked Chicken and Rice:

• Chicken: 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Rice: 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
• Chicken Broth: 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Water: ½ cup (for extra moisture)
• Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped
• Seasonings:
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (for added brightness, optional)
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay juicy and infuse the rice with rich flavor.
• Long-Grain White Rice: Cooks evenly and absorbs the delicious broth without becoming mushy. Avoid using instant or short-grain rice.
• Garlic & Onion: These aromatics add depth and richness to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory base for the rice, ensuring maximum flavor.
• Paprika & Oregano: Essential for giving the chicken a beautiful color and enhancing its flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice:

Prepare the Rice and Chicken:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish (9×13 inches).
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a small pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Prepare the Rice: In the greased baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, melted butter, chicken broth, water, and lemon juice (if using). Stir to mix.
4. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this seasoning mix evenly over the chicken thighs.

Assemble and Bake:

5. Arrange the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, skin-side up. The chicken will release juices as it bakes, adding extra flavor to the rice.
6. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
7. Uncover and Crisp the Skin: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden brown and the rice is tender. If needed, broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispy skin.
8. Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance it with these serving ideas:

• With Steamed Vegetables – Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a balanced meal.
• With a Fresh Salad – Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• With a Side of Roasted Potatoes – Add roasted or mashed potatoes for extra heartiness.
• With Garlic Bread – Serve with warm garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the flavors.
• With a Creamy Sauce – Drizzle a bit of garlic butter, mushroom sauce, or a lemon butter sauce for extra richness.
• With Pickled Vegetables – Add tangy pickled onions, cucumbers, or jalapeños for a flavor boost.
• With a Side of Yogurt or Raita – A cool, herbed yogurt sauce can complement the dish beautifully.
• With Extra Herbs and Cheese – Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley and grated Parmesan for added depth.
• With a Spicy Twist – Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
• As a Casserole – Mix in extra veggies, cheese, or beans and bake again for a delicious second meal.

Additional Tips for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Follow these tips to ensure perfect results every time:

• Use Bone-In Chicken: It provides the most flavor and keeps the meat juicy.
• Avoid Instant Rice: It will overcook and become mushy. Stick with long-grain white rice for the best texture.
• Let the Dish Rest: Allow the rice to absorb any remaining moisture before serving.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the broth before baking and adjust salt levels as needed.
• Broil for Crispy Skin: For extra crispy chicken skin, broil the dish for a couple of minutes at the end.
• Add Vegetables: You can mix in peas, carrots, or bell peppers with the rice for extra color and nutrition.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Recipe Variations for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Here are 10 variations to try for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice:

• Spicy Cajun Chicken and Rice: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
• Herb Butter Chicken and Rice: Mix fresh thyme and rosemary into the butter before drizzling over the rice.
• Mediterranean Style: Add olives, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
• Mexican Chicken and Rice: Add ½ teaspoon cumin and serve with salsa and avocado.
• Creamy Chicken and Rice: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk after baking for a richer dish.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the rice before serving.
• Mushroom Chicken and Rice: Add sliced mushrooms to the rice mixture before baking.
• Teriyaki Chicken and Rice: Brush the chicken with teriyaki sauce before baking for an Asian-inspired version.
• Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: Add extra lemon zest and fresh herbs for a bright, fresh taste.
• BBQ Chicken and Rice: Brush the chicken with BBQ sauce in the last 10 minutes of baking.

Freezing and Storage for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

• Freezing: Store cooled chicken and rice in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Special Equipment for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

• Large Baking Dish (9×13 inches or larger) – Ensures even cooking and enough space for both the chicken and rice.
• Aluminum Foil or Lid – Helps trap moisture and steam, ensuring the rice cooks properly.
• Meat Thermometer – Ensures the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Mixing Bowl – Useful for seasoning the chicken or mixing the broth with spices before pouring over the rice.
• Tongs – Makes it easy to handle and arrange the chicken pieces without burning yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

1. Can I use brown rice? Yes, but increase the liquid by ½ cup and bake for an extra 15-20 minutes.
2. Can I use boneless chicken? Yes, but reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes.
3. Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, replace butter with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative.

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Conclusion

Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice is a comforting, no-fuss meal that brings hearty flavors straight to your table. With tender, juicy chicken and perfectly seasoned rice, this one-pan dish is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this recipe requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. Just pop it in the oven, let it bake to perfection, and enjoy a wholesome, homemade meal with minimal cleanup.

I’d love to see how your Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!