Oven Baked Chicken and Rice: A Simple and Delicious One-Pan Meal : If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make meal, oven-baked chicken and rice is the perfect choice. This one-pan dish combines tender, juicy chicken with flavorful rice, all baked together to create a hassle-free, satisfying dinner. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a go-to. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your tastes with different spices, vegetables, or even different cuts of chicken.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
55 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 5 minutes
Why Choose Oven Baked Chicken and Rice?
1. One-Pan Wonder:
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Everything is baked together in one pan, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup. No need for multiple pots and pans, just a single baking dish.
2. Minimal Prep Time:
With just 5–10 minutes of prep work, you can have dinner in the oven and spend your time doing other things while it bakes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re looking for a fuss-free meal.
3. Flavorful and Nutritious:
The chicken infuses the rice with delicious flavors, while the combination of ingredients creates a balanced meal. This dish offers a good mix of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it both tasty and nutritious.
4. Customizable:
One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you prefer chicken thighs or breasts, or want to add vegetables like carrots or peas, the possibilities are endless. Adjust it to suit your tastes!
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray.Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken thighs with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and rub the seasoning in to coat the chicken evenly.Prepare the Rice:
In the prepared baking dish, spread the rice evenly. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, and stir to combine. Make sure the rice is covered with the broth.Place the Chicken on Top:
Nestle the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the rice. The rice will cook as the chicken bakes, soaking up all the flavors from the broth and the chicken.Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40–45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and the rice is tender.Rest and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve!
Pro Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in chicken helps to keep the meat moist and adds more flavor to the rice as it cooks. If using boneless chicken, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Rice cooking tip: If the rice is still too firm after the cooking time, add a little extra broth or water and cover again, allowing it to cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Add vegetables: Feel free to add frozen peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the rice for extra flavor and color.
For extra crispy chicken: After baking, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes to get a crispy skin.
Why Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a Great Weeknight Meal ?
This oven-baked chicken and rice recipe is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and provides a hearty meal that will leave everyone satisfied. You can even make a large batch and have leftovers for lunch the next day. Plus, with so many variations to try, you’ll never get bored of this simple yet delicious dish.
If you prefer visual guides, check out this YouTube video for a step-by-step tutorial on making oven-baked chicken and rice:
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe Video
