The Ultimate Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe You’ll Love

Crispy golden chicken meets fluffy rice in this incredible oven baked chicken and rice recipe that promises comfort in every single bite.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this delightful dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Seasoned perfectly and requiring just one pan, this meal simplifies cooking without compromising taste.

Mediterranean herbs and spices dance through tender meat and soft grains, creating a symphony of deliciousness.

Busy home cooks appreciate how seamlessly this recipe comes together with simple ingredients from your pantry.

Aromas will fill your kitchen, making everyone eagerly anticipate dinner’s grand entrance.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when hunger strikes and time feels short.

Baked Chicken and Rice Is Always a Family Favorite

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious dinner in under an hour, perfect for busy families needing a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Flavor Canvas: Customize the dish with different herbs, spices, or vegetable additions to match your taste preferences or use up ingredients in your fridge.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort Food: Enjoy a balanced meal combining protein-rich chicken, wholesome rice, and optional vegetables in one hearty, nutritious serving.

Baked Chicken & Rice Essentials

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful meat that provides the main protein for the dish, bone-in and skin-on for extra richness.

• Paprika, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that add depth and warmth to the chicken.
• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor base that creates a delicious aromatic foundation for the dish.

• White Rice: Absorbs the chicken broth and creates a tender, fluffy base for the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional flavor to cook the rice and enhance overall taste.
• Olive Oil: Helps with searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics, adds a subtle richness.
• Frozen Peas: Optional vegetable that adds color, sweetness, and extra nutrition.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and light herbal note to finish the dish.

Baked Chicken and Rice Oven Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to 375°F and get ready for a delicious cooking adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

• Chicken thighs
• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet.

Sprinkle chicken with seasonings and sear each side until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Set seared chicken aside on a plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Onions
• Garlic

Toss diced onions and minced garlic into the same skillet.

Sauté until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious aroma.

Step 4: Build the Rice Layer

• Uncooked rice
• Chicken broth

Pour rice into the skillet and stir to coat with oil and aromatics.

Pour chicken broth over the rice and let it start to simmer.

Step 5: Arrange the Chicken

Gently place seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture.

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

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the covered skillet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and rice becomes tender and fluffy.

Step 7: Add Green Bonus

Sprinkle frozen peas over the dish during the last 5 minutes of baking for a pop of color and extra nutrition.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Serve hot and enjoy your one-pan wonder!

Easy Prep Tips for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

• Bone-in cuts provide more flavor and stay juicier during baking compared to boneless options.
• Use long-grain white rice for best texture and ensure it absorbs liquid evenly without becoming mushy.
• Add extra broth if rice seems dry during cooking, preventing scorching and maintaining perfect moisture.
• Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano to personalize the dish's flavor profile without overwhelming the chicken.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein.

Chicken and Rice Reheat Tips

• Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Properly stored, frozen meals last up to 3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken and rice in a baking dish, add 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• For quick reheating, place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of broth, cover with microwave-safe lid, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Matches

• Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that complements the chicken's rich flavors and cuts through the dish's creamy texture.
• Herb-Fresh Side Salad: Create a light mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty chicken and rice, adding brightness and refreshing contrast to the main dish.
• Roasted Vegetable Companion: Prepare simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to enhance the meal's nutritional profile and provide additional textural interest.
• Citrus Sparkle Drink: Serve a cold, citrus-infused sparkling water or a light lemonade to cleanse the palate and add a zesty touch that elevates the overall dining experience.

Baked Chicken and Rice with Flavor Twists

• Vegetarian Rice Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, seasoned with same spices. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete plant-based meal.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Verify rice is gluten-free and use tamari instead of regular soy sauce if needed. Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli. Choose chicken breasts or thighs and maintain original seasoning profile for consistent flavor.
• Mediterranean Style: Add kalamata olives, diced bell peppers, and swap thyme for oregano. Incorporate crumbled feta cheese on top after baking for extra Mediterranean character.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts. Just ensure they are similar in size and thickness for even cooking. Adjust cooking time as breasts tend to cook faster than thighs.

• Do I need a special type of rice for this recipe?

Medium-grain or long-grain white rice works best. Avoid instant rice as it might become mushy. Jasmine or basmati rice are excellent choices for this dish.

• Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing helps develop a rich, golden-brown exterior and locks in flavor. While not mandatory, it significantly enhances the overall taste and texture of the chicken.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free and double-check that all your seasonings do not contain gluten additives.

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent oven baked chicken and rice creates a comforting classic that brings warmth to family dinner tables. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a hearty meal that satisfies hunger and warms hearts with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs

Rice and Base:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm the culinary workspace to a precise 375°F (190°C), preparing for a harmonious chicken and rice ensemble.
2. Select a spacious oven-compatible skillet and awaken it with a drizzle of olive oil over medium thermal intensity.
3. Lavish the chicken thighs with a fragrant blend of paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper, creating a tantalizing exterior.
4. Carefully sear the seasoned chicken pieces, transforming them into a golden-hued delicacy through a 3-4 minute dance on each side.
5. Gently extract the chicken from the skillet, reserving it for the upcoming symphonic combination.
6. Introduce diced onion and minced garlic into the same skillet, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence.
7. Cascade the rice into the skillet, thoroughly coating each grain with the flavorful remnants of the seared chicken.
8. Pour chicken broth into the mixture, coaxing the ingredients to a gentle simmer and creating a luxurious liquid foundation.
9. Artfully nestle the seared chicken thighs atop the rice landscape, ensuring even distribution.
10. Envelop the skillet with a protective lid or aluminum shield, sealing in the developing flavors.
11. Slide the entire composition into the preheated oven, allowing it to harmonize for 35-40 minutes until the chicken reaches perfect doneness and rice achieves tender submission.
12. During the final five minutes, scatter frozen peas across the surface, introducing a burst of verdant freshness.
13. Carefully extract the culinary creation from the oven, permitting a brief moment of rest to allow flavors to meld.
14. Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley as a verdant garnish, adding a final touch of visual and aromatic elegance before serving.

Notes

• Choose skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness, ensuring the meat stays moist during baking.
• Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy oven-safe pan to create even heat distribution and develop a beautiful golden crust on the chicken.
• Toast the rice in the skillet before adding broth to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent it from becoming mushy during cooking.
• For a low-carb version, substitute rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa to reduce calories and add more nutrients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg