Irresistible Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crispy, golden oven baked chicken and rice promises a comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners often demand simple yet delicious solutions.

Tender chicken pieces nestled alongside fluffy rice create a one-pan wonder that saves you precious time.

Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines inspire this straightforward recipe, blending herbs and spices effortlessly.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce maximum flavor, making this dish a reliable go-to for busy households.

Fragrant seasonings and perfectly cooked proteins guarantee a satisfying meal that everyone will appreciate.

Let’s uncover how a few smart techniques can turn basic ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Oven Baked Chicken And Rice Satisfies All

• Boost Flavor Fast: Searing chicken before baking locks in juicy, rich taste that transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal extra effort.
• One-Pan Wonder: This recipe eliminates multiple dishes and complicated cooking steps, letting you prepare a complete dinner quickly with simple cleanup afterward.
• Kid-Approved Comfort: Tender chicken and fluffy rice create a classic, crowd-pleasing combination that even picky eaters will enjoy, making family mealtime stress-free and delicious.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Oven baking ensures perfectly cooked chicken and rice without constant monitoring, making this recipe ideal for home cooks of all skill levels who want reliable results.

Ingredients Needed For Oven Baked Chicken And Rice

• Chicken Thighs: Flavorful and tender cut of chicken that provides the primary protein for this comforting one-pan meal.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Thyme: Classic spices that enhance the chicken's natural flavor and add depth to the dish.
• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a rich, savory base for the rice and chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sear the chicken and provides a smooth cooking surface for sautéing.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and additional flavor to the rice, ensuring a delicious and tender result.
• Long Grain White Rice: Serves as the hearty base of the dish, absorbing the flavorful chicken broth and seasonings.

Steps For Baking Chicken And Rice Together

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), getting ready for a delicious chicken and rice adventure.

Step 2: Spice Up The Chicken

Massage the chicken with a flavor explosion of salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme, coating every inch for maximum taste.

Step 3: Sear The Protein

Warm up olive oil in a heavy-duty oven-safe skillet, then beautifully brown chicken thighs until they develop a golden, crispy exterior.

Once seared, set these beauties aside.

Step 4: Build The Flavor Base

In the same skillet, dance some diced onions and minced garlic around until they release their magical aroma and turn slightly translucent.

Step 5: Rice Preparation

Toss rice into the skillet and swirl it around to get a nice oil coating.

Pour in chicken broth and let everything start to bubble and simmer gently.

Step 6: Create The One-Pan Magic

Nestle the seared chicken thighs right on top of the rice, creating a cozy layer.

Cover the skillet with foil or a tight-fitting lid.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and let everything cook together for 35-40 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and rice to become tender.

Step 8: Crisp The Skin

Remove the cover and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to transform the chicken skin into a delightfully crispy golden layer.

Step 9: Rest And Serve

Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, letting juices redistribute, then serve up this comforting one-pan wonder.

Pro Kitchen Tips For Chicken And Rice

• Position chicken thighs skin-side up to ensure crispy, golden exterior during baking.
• Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches internal temperature of 165F for safe consumption.
• Add extra chicken broth if rice seems dry during cooking to maintain perfect fluffy texture.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano for deeper flavor profile and aromatic richness.
• Pat chicken skin completely dry before seasoning to help achieve maximum crispiness during final uncovered baking stage.

New Flavors For Chicken And Rice Fans

• Vegetarian Rice Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, using vegetable broth and adding extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for protein and flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap rice with cauliflower rice, keeping the same seasoning and cooking method for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Use Mediterranean herbs like oregano and rosemary instead of thyme, add kalamata olives and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Rice: Substitute paprika with Cajun seasoning, add cayenne pepper for heat, and mix in andouille sausage for a Louisiana-style one-pot meal.

Plating Chicken And Rice Creatively

• Comforting Family Feast: Serve this hearty chicken and rice dish with a fresh green salad to balance the rich flavors and add crisp texture.
• Colorful Side Companions: Roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts complement the chicken perfectly and boost nutritional value.
• Sauce Sensation: Drizzle a zesty lemon-herb sauce or creamy garlic aioli over the chicken to enhance its savory profile and add an extra layer of deliciousness.
• Herb Garnish Finish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top to bring brightness, color, and a subtle fresh note to the completed dish.

Storing Oven Baked Chicken And Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken and rice are completely cooled before sealing.
• Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Transfer leftovers to an oven-safe dish, add a splash of broth to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of rice?

Yes, you can substitute long-grain white rice or brown rice. Just adjust liquid and cooking time accordingly.

• What if I don't have chicken thighs?

Chicken breasts work well too. Just ensure they’re boneless and skinless, and reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth. Always check broth labels to confirm.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to cooking time when baking directly from the refrigerator.

Oven Baked Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Mediterranean Chicken and Rice blends aromatic herbs with tender chicken, creating a comforting one-pan meal. Perfectly seasoned grains and juicy meat invite you to savor each flavorful bite of this classic culinary comfort.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

Grains:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) long-grain rice

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Liquids:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
2. Generously coat chicken thighs with a blend of salt, black pepper, smoky paprika, and dried thyme, massaging the seasonings into the meat.
3. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or heavy oven-safe dish over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface.
4. Carefully sear chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops, then transfer to a plate.
5. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic, releasing their sweet and pungent flavors.
6. Add uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to coat each grain with the fragrant oil and onion mixture.
7. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, gently stirring to distribute the rice evenly and create a uniform base.
8. Arrange the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice, nestling them slightly into the liquid.
9. Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil or a lid to trap moisture and steam.
10. Bake for 35-40 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and the chicken to cook through.
11. Uncover the dish and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to crisp the chicken skin and achieve a golden finish.
12. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and the rice to settle.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is at room temperature before cooking to promote even heating and prevent dryness.
• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness, preventing bland results.
• Opt for long-grain white rice like basmati or jasmine for best texture and absorption of chicken broth and seasonings.
• Customize spice blend by adding smoked paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs like rosemary to enhance overall taste profile without overwhelming the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg