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