The Best Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a delightful oven baked chicken and rice promises comfort on your plate tonight.

Home kitchens buzz with anticipation when simple ingredients combine magically.

Tender chicken nestled among fluffy grains creates a one-pan wonder that feels like a warm embrace.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings dance through each morsel, promising deep flavor without complicated techniques.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for busy cooks seeking satisfying meals.

Home chefs can transform basic ingredients into something truly memorable with this foolproof recipe.

You’ll savor every bite of this classic dish that brings everyone around the table with smiles.

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice That’s a Crowd Pleaser

• Craft a Complete Meal: One-pan wonder that combines protein, grains, and vegetables into a satisfying dinner without multiple cooking steps.
• Master Simplified Cooking: Beginner-friendly recipe requiring basic seasoning skills and minimal kitchen equipment, perfect for anyone learning to cook.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible dish that allows quick vegetable swaps or spice adjustments to match family preferences or pantry ingredients.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Affordable ingredients like chicken thighs, rice, and common vegetables create a delicious meal without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken & Rice

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs provide rich flavor and juicy meat for the dish.

• Onions, Garlic, Carrots: These vegetables create a flavorful base and add depth to the overall taste of the recipe.

• White Rice: Serves as the hearty base that absorbs the delicious chicken broth and creates a complete meal.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and rich flavor to the rice while helping it cook to perfect tenderness.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Thyme: These spices enhance the chicken's flavor and provide a well-rounded seasoning profile.
• Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken and prevents sticking while adding a subtle flavor to the dish.

• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the dish during baking to retain moisture and ensure even cooking.

How to Prepare Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) to prepare for a delicious meal.

Step 2: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a sturdy oven-safe skillet over medium heat.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dried thyme

Sear the chicken until it turns a beautiful golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create A Flavor Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped carrots

Step 4: Prepare The Rice

Add rice to the skillet, stirring to coat with the vegetable mixture. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Combine Chicken And Rice

Gently nestle the seared chicken thighs into the rice mixture, ensuring they’re partially submerged.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Cover the skillet with foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the rice becomes tender and the chicken cooks through completely.

Step 7: Crisp The Chicken Skin

Remove the foil and switch the oven to broil.

Broil for 3-5 minutes to create a crispy, golden chicken skin.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Serve piping hot and enjoy your comforting meal.

Tips to Improve Oven Baked Chicken & Rice

• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness during baking.
• Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning to taste.
• Double-check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption using a meat thermometer.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free and replace regular paprika with a gluten-free alternative.

Flavor Swaps for Baked Chicken & Rice

• Gluten-Free Herb Chicken Rice: Replace regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free alternative. Use gluten-free chicken broth and check seasoning ingredients.
• Mediterranean Spice Variation: Swap thyme with oregano, add cumin and za'atar. Use bell peppers instead of carrots for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower, reducing carbohydrate content. Keep chicken preparation method the same, ensuring protein-rich meal for low-carb diets.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute. Adjust cooking time and use vegetable broth for complete vegetarian transformation.

What Complements Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

• Family Feast Night: Serve this hearty chicken and rice dish as the centerpiece of a cozy family dinner, gathering everyone around the table to enjoy the comforting, golden-brown chicken and fluffy rice.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion out individual servings in meal prep containers for easy lunches during the week, keeping the chicken moist and rice perfectly seasoned for quick reheating.
• Rustic Dinner Party Delight: Impress dinner guests by presenting the entire skillet at the table, allowing everyone to scoop out their own generous portions of this elegant one-pan meal with its beautiful golden chicken and aromatic rice.
• Picnic Perfect Transfer: Pack the cooled dish in a sturdy container for an outdoor meal, making sure to keep it warm in an insulated carrier for a delicious outdoor dining experience that travels well.

Storing Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Properly

• Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer the dish to shallow containers to help it cool quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
• Avoid leaving the meal at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or use a sealed container to prevent moisture loss and refrigerator odors.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or drumsticks. Just adjust cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked without drying out.

• Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing helps develop a golden crust and adds deeper flavor to the chicken. While optional, it significantly enhances the overall taste and texture of the dish.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free and use gluten-free seasonings.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

Crispy Oven Baked Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty oven baked chicken and rice brings comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Families appreciate this simple one-pan meal that delivers rich flavors and satisfying nutrition you will savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Grains:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing for a hearty one-pan chicken and rice dish.
2. Select an oven-safe skillet and drizzle olive oil, heating over medium flame.
3. Rub chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme, creating a flavorful seasoning blend.
4. Sear chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes on each side until developing a rich golden-brown exterior, then transfer to a temporary plate.
5. In the same skillet, introduce diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped carrots, sautéing until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence.
6. Introduce rice to the vegetable mixture, gently stirring to coat grains with existing pan flavors.
7. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, allowing the liquid to create a simmering environment.
8. Carefully nestle seared chicken thighs into the rice and broth mixture, ensuring even distribution.
9. Seal the skillet with aluminum foil, creating a steamy cooking environment.
10. Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, allowing rice to become tender and chicken to cook thoroughly.
11. Remove foil and activate broiler for 3-5 minutes to crisp chicken skin and enhance visual appeal.
12. Allow dish to rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and settle before serving.

Notes

• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, adjusting cooking time to prevent dryness.
• Use brown rice for added fiber and nutrients, increasing liquid and cooking time slightly.
• Keep extra broth nearby to prevent rice from drying out during baking, ensuring a moist and fluffy texture.
• Transform this dish into a one-pan meal by adding diced vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers during the sautéing stage for extra nutrition and flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg