The Best Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting a mouthwatering oven baked chicken and rice recipe promises comfort in every single bite.

Fragrant herbs and tender meat combine to create a one-pan wonder that simplifies weeknight cooking.

Juicy chicken pieces nestle perfectly alongside fluffy rice grains, absorbing rich seasonings.

Mediterranean influences shine through with subtle garlic and rosemary notes that awaken your senses.

Minimal preparation transforms basic ingredients into a satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Simple techniques ensure success, even for novice home cooks seeking delicious results.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when hearty and hassle-free dinner solutions are essential.

Proper Storage For Oven Baked Chicken And Rice

• Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Warm in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Stir occasionally and heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but increase the liquid and cooking time since brown rice requires more moisture and longer cooking.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.

• What if I don't have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme works perfectly fine as a substitute. Use about one-third of the amount of fresh thyme called for in the recipe.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time when baking from cold.

Oven Baked Chicken And Rice’s Comfort Flavors

• Savor Quick Comfort: This soup delivers rich, hearty flavors in minimal preparation steps, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying.
• Master Simple Cooking: Beginners can confidently create this restaurant-quality dish with basic kitchen skills, requiring only one pot and straightforward ingredient handling.
• Customize with Ease: Swap spinach for kale, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to personalize the soup without compromising its delicious core recipe.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with protein from sausage, creamy texture from heavy cream, and fun tortellini shapes, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.

Ingredients For Oven Baked Chicken And Rice

• Chicken Pieces: Tender protein that creates the heart of this one-dish meal.
• Long Grain White Rice: Fluffy base that absorbs all the delicious flavors from chicken and seasonings.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that provide depth and aromatic base to the dish.
• Paprika, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken and rice.

• Chicken Broth: Moisture-rich liquid that helps cook the rice and infuse additional flavor.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sauté aromatics and adds a smooth coating to chicken for better browning.

Cooking Guide For Oven Baked Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Heat your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) so it’s ready for the delicious chicken and rice adventure.

Step 2: Prepare Rice Base

Rinse the rice thoroughly and spread it in an even layer across a spacious baking dish, creating a soft foundation for your meal.

Step 3: Sizzle Aromatics

In a skillet, dance onions and garlic in olive oil until they become fragrant and slightly translucent, releasing their magical flavors.

Step 4: Build Flavor Profile

Pour the sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the rice, then gently add chicken broth.

• Paprika
• Thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything to combine and create a harmonious base.

Step 5: Position Chicken

Carefully place chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture.

Lovingly brush each piece with olive oil and dust with additional seasonings.

Step 6: Cover And Bake

Wrap the baking dish completely with aluminum foil, ensuring a tight seal to lock in moisture.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.

Step 7: Finish With Golden Crisp

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven.

Bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and the rice becomes wonderfully fluffy.

Step 8: Serve And Savor

Pull out your masterpiece, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve the chicken and rice hot, ready to delight taste buds.

Kitchen Suggestions For Chicken And Rice Bake

• Select bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness in the dish.
• Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains after baking.
• Adjust liquid ratio if using different rice types like brown or wild rice, which require more cooking time and moisture.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can brighten the final dish, adding a pop of color and fresh taste.
• Consider using low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the rice from becoming too salty.

Variations For Oven Baked Chicken And Rice

• Spicy Southwest Fiesta: Replace thyme with chili powder, add diced bell peppers, and sprinkle cayenne for a zesty Mexican-inspired chicken and rice dish.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate oregano, rosemary, and lemon zest, top with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-style flavor profile.
• Coconut Curry Infusion: Substitute chicken broth with coconut milk, mix in curry powder, and garnish with chopped cilantro for an aromatic Indian-inspired meal.
• One-Pot Mushroom Comfort: Add sliced cremini mushrooms, swap thyme for sage, and include a splash of white wine for an earthy, rich version of the original recipe.

Best Complements For Oven Baked Chicken And Rice

• Arrange the golden chicken pieces atop the fluffy rice, creating an inviting centerpiece for family dinner. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a pop of green color and extra flavor.
• Transfer the entire baking dish directly to the table for a rustic, homestyle presentation. Use a wooden board underneath to protect surfaces and add warm, natural charm to your meal.
• Plate individual servings on white porcelain dishes, carefully placing chicken on a bed of rice. Garnish with a lemon wedge and delicate herb sprigs for a sophisticated touch that elevates the simple dish.

Oven Baked Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering oven baked chicken and rice promises comfort and simplicity for weeknight dinners. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4–6 chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 2 cups white rice (long grain or basmati)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsps olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme or parsley

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a large baking dish for layering ingredients.
2. Thoroughly rinse rice grains and distribute them uniformly across the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant and translucent.
4. Pour sautéed aromatics over the rice layer, spreading evenly across the surface.
5. Gently pour chicken broth over rice, sprinkling paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper for seasoning.
6. Carefully arrange chicken pieces atop the seasoned rice mixture, ensuring even coverage.
7. Drizzle olive oil over chicken and add additional seasoning to enhance flavor profile.
8. Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture during initial cooking phase.
9. Bake covered for 40 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and chicken to cook thoroughly.
10. Remove foil and continue baking 15-20 minutes until chicken develops golden-brown exterior and rice becomes fluffy.
11. Allow dish to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven to help flavors meld and settle.
12. Serve immediately while warm, ensuring each portion includes rice and chicken.

Notes

• Avoid soggy rice by rinsing it thoroughly and draining excess water before spreading in the baking dish.
• Select bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for extra flavor and juiciness, which help prevent dry meat during baking.
• Create a gluten-free version by using certified gluten-free chicken broth and checking seasoning ingredients for potential gluten contamination.
• Boost nutritional value by adding diced vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or peas directly into the rice mixture before baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg