Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice: A Flavorful, One-Pan Comfort Meal

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Introduction

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, one-pan dinner that’s comforting, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit, this Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice is the perfect recipe! Juicy, tender seasoned chicken bakes on top of fluffy, buttery, perfectly seasoned rice, absorbing all the delicious flavors as it cooks.

The best part? This meal requires minimal effort—no pre-cooking the rice, no standing over the stove. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! It’s a budget-friendly, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Let’s dive into this easy, foolproof baked chicken and rice recipe that will become a staple in your home! 🍗🍚🔥

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Rice:

  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati works best)
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric or paprika (optional, for color)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or an oven-safe pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

  1. In the greased baking dish, add uncooked rice, chicken broth, diced onion, minced garlic, melted butter, salt, pepper, parsley, and turmeric/paprika.
  2. Stir everything together so the flavors are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

  1. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and oregano.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, then rub them with olive oil and coat them evenly with the spice mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

  1. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the rice mixture.
  2. Cover the dish tightly with foil to allow the rice to steam properly.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken and Rice

  1. Bake, covered, for 40 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the chicken skin is crispy and the rice is fully cooked.
  3. If the rice needs more time, add ¼ cup more broth, cover, and bake for an extra 10 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

  1. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a bright, fresh flavor.
  3. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations of Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice

  • Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning.
  • Cheesy Version: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese into the rice before baking.
  • Vegetable Boost: Add peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
  • Creamy Option: Mix in ½ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk to the rice for extra creaminess.
  • Garlic Butter Style: Replace olive oil with melted garlic butter for richer flavor.

Storage and Reheating

How to Store Leftovers

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months in portion-sized containers.

Best Way to Reheat

  • Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 15 minutes with a splash of chicken broth.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?

Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts work, but reduce the cooking time to 35-40 minutes total.

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

Yes, but you’ll need an extra ½ cup of broth and a longer baking time (75-80 minutes total).

3. How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

For crispy skin, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

4. Can I add veggies to this dish?

Absolutely! Try adding peas, carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers.

5. Do I need to cook the rice before baking?

Nope! The rice cooks perfectly in the oven by absorbing the broth and seasonings.

6. What type of rice works best?

Long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati is best. Avoid minute rice or sticky rice.

7. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter and skip any cheese toppings.

8. What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

9. How do I prevent dry chicken?

Cover with foil during baking to trap moisture, and don’t overcook!

10. Can I make this in a Dutch oven instead?

Yes! A Dutch oven works great and keeps the chicken super juicy.

Conclusion

This Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice is the ultimate one-pan comfort meal—juicy, well-seasoned chicken with fluffy, buttery rice that soaks up all the delicious flavors. It’s an easy, no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.

🔥 So grab your chicken, rice, and seasonings, and let’s make this delicious, foolproof meal tonight! 🍗🍚✨

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