Oven Baked Chicken and Rice: A One-Pan Comfort Food Classic

Name: Oven Baked Chicken and Rice: A One-Pan Comfort Food Classic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 5 bone-in chicken thigh fillets, skin removed; 1 onion, chopped; 2 large garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp (30g) butter; 1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice; 1½ cups hot chicken broth; 1¼ cups hot water; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ¾ tsp salt; Black pepper, to taste; Spray oil for a golden finish; Fresh thyme or parsley, finely chopped

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on January 19, 2025

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Description:
Tender, flavorful chicken and fluffy, buttery rice baked together in one pan—Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food. With simple ingredients and easy prep, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re feeding a crowd.

Why Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Feels Like Home

Do you know those meals that remind you of cozy evenings at home, where the kitchen smells heavenly, and the first bite feels like a warm hug? Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is exactly that kind of dish.

The combination of juicy chicken thighs and perfectly cooked rice infused with rich flavors creates a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of love. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal to impress guests, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver a smile with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and clean-up required.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
Bursting with Flavor: Each bite of rice is infused with the juices from the chicken and a perfectly balanced seasoning blend.
Versatile: Great as-is or served with a side salad, vegetables, or a quick gravy.
Beginner-Friendly: Perfect for anyone, regardless of cooking experience.

Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

For the Chicken and Rice

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Bone-in chicken thigh fillets	5	Skin removed for a healthier option.
Onion	1, chopped	Use brown, white, or yellow onions.
Garlic	2 large cloves, minced	Adds depth to the dish.
Butter	2 tbsp (30g)	Can be substituted with olive oil.
Uncooked white rice	1½ cups (270g)	Long-grain white rice works best (Note 3).
Chicken broth/stock	1½ cups (375 ml)	Use hot broth for faster cooking.
Water	1¼ cups (315 ml)	Use hot water for consistent results.

For the Chicken Rub

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Paprika powder	1 tsp	Adds color and flavor to the chicken.
Dried thyme	1 tsp	Enhances the dish with an earthy aroma.
Garlic powder	½ tsp	Infuses more garlic flavor into the chicken.
Onion powder	½ tsp	Adds a subtle sweetness to the rub.
Salt	¾ tsp	Balances the flavors perfectly.
Black pepper	To taste	For a mild kick of spice.

Optional Garnishes

Oil spray for a golden finish
Fresh thyme leaves or parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic evenly in a large baking dish (about 10 x 15 inches / 25 x 35 cm).
Place 2 tablespoons of butter in the center of the dish.
Bake for 15 minutes, checking at the 12-minute mark to stir if the edges start browning too quickly.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

While the dish is in the oven, prepare the Chicken Rub by mixing together the paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Sprinkle the rub generously on both sides of the chicken thighs.

Step 4: Add the Rice

Remove the baking dish from the oven and add 1½ cups of uncooked white rice. Mix the rice into the onions and garlic evenly.
Spread the rice mixture out in an even layer.

Step 5: Arrange the Chicken and Add Liquid

Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice.
Carefully pour the hot chicken broth and hot water around the chicken (not over it, to preserve the seasoning).

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Uncover and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and spray the chicken with oil (optional) for a golden finish.
Bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 8: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven.
Remove the chicken thighs and fluff the rice with a fork.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme, if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs: The bone helps retain moisture and adds extra flavor to the dish.
Don’t Rinse the Rice: Washing the rice removes starch that helps it cook evenly in the dish.
Hot Broth is Key: Adding hot broth and water helps the rice cook properly and avoids uneven textures.
Customize the Rub: Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick or replace thyme with rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Check for Doneness: Ensure the rice is fully cooked and the chicken has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it further by pairing it with:

Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots complement the dish beautifully.
Side Salad: A fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken and rice.
Gravy: Drizzle a quick gravy over the dish for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 5 servings):

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	~430 kcal
Protein	28g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	700mg

Creative Variations of Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Spicy Cajun Twist: Replace the Chicken Rub with a Cajun seasoning blend for a spicy kick.
Mediterranean Style: Use oregano and lemon juice in the rub and add olives and sun-dried tomatoes to the rice.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with large roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the rice during the last 10 minutes of baking for a creamy, cheesy twist.
Herb Explosion: Add fresh rosemary, parsley, and thyme directly into the rice for an aromatic boost.

FAQ About Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs or breasts?

Yes, but boneless pieces may cook faster, so reduce the baking time by 5–10 minutes to avoid overcooking.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Add an extra ½ cup of broth and bake for an additional 20 minutes.

3. Can I freeze this dish?

Absolutely! Cool the dish completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

4. What other seasonings can I use?

You can try Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, curry powder, or even a BBQ rub for different flavor profiles.

5. How do I keep the chicken moist?

Covering the dish with foil during the first part of baking helps lock in moisture, keeping the chicken juicy and tender.

6. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes! You can add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas directly to the rice before baking.

Time to Make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice!

Now that you’ve got all the steps and tips, it’s time to put on your apron and create this incredible Oven Baked Chicken and Rice. With its tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and bold flavors, this one-pan meal is sure to become a family favorite.

Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get cooking!