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One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake – The Ultimate Family Comfort Dinner

Looking for a hearty, satisfying dinner that’s ridiculously easy, requires minimal cleanup, and leaves everyone at the table full and happy? Enter the One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake — a golden, juicy chicken dish baked with perfectly tender rice, rich broth, and savory seasoning all in one dish. This dish is the definition of comfort food — with a rustic charm and timeless appeal. It’s also a weeknight warrior: no stovetop searing, no pre-cooking rice, and barely any dishes. Just season, mix, bake, and serve! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for the week, or entertaining guests on a budget, this recipe delivers cozy vibes with maximum flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍗 Protein
  • 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or breasts (can use boneless too)
🍚 Grains
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice uncooked
🧅 Vegetables & Aromatics
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 –3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup carrots thinly sliced or shredded (optional)
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas optional, added at the end
🧂 Spices & Seasonings
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
🧴 Oils
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
🥣 Liquids
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth preferably low sodium

Equipment

  • All you need is one baking dish and a few kitchen basics:
  • 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Foil
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Oven mitts
  • 🧼 This one-pan meal practically washes itself — hello, minimal cleanup!

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat & Prep
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
  1. In a small bowl, mix:
  2. Paprika
  3. Garlic powder
  4. Thyme
  5. Salt and pepper
  6. Rub seasoning mix evenly over the chicken pieces.
  7. If using skin-on chicken, pat the skin dry first for crispiness.
🍗 Optional: Brown chicken in a skillet for 3–4 minutes per side to boost flavor and color.
    Step 3: Prepare the Rice Base
    1. In the baking dish, add:
    2. Uncooked rice
    3. Diced onion
    4. Minced garlic
    5. Carrots (if using)
    6. Chicken broth
    7. Stir gently to combine.
    Step 4: Assemble & Bake
    1. Nestle seasoned chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture.
    2. Drizzle chicken with olive oil or melted butter.
    3. Cover tightly with foil.
    4. Bake for 45 minutes covered.
    5. Remove foil and bake 15–20 minutes more, or until rice is tender and chicken is golden and cooked to 165°F internal temperature.
    🔄 Stir in peas during the last 5 minutes for a pop of color and texture.
      Step 5: Rest & Serve
      1. Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving — this allows the rice to absorb remaining liquid.
      2. Fluff rice gently and spoon onto plates. Serve with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

      Notes

      🧊 Storage & Reheating
      Refrigerator
      Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
      Freezer
      Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
      Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
      Reheat
      Microwave: 2–3 minutes per serving
      Oven: 350°F for 15–20 minutes, covered
      🥘 Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore moisture.
      🥄 Variations
      One-pan meals are endlessly flexible. Try these ideas:
      🍋 Lemon Herb Chicken – Add lemon zest and slices to the rice base and top chicken with lemon juice.
      🧀 Cheesy Finish – Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan over rice for the last 10 minutes.
      🌶️ Southwest Style – Add taco seasoning, corn, black beans, and use salsa instead of some broth.
      🥬 Add Greens – Stir in spinach or kale after baking.
      🍄 Mushroom Medley – Sauté mushrooms and onions, then mix into rice for an earthy twist.
      🧅 French Onion Chicken Bake – Add caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese for a gourmet version.
      ❓ 10 FAQs
      1. Can I use brown rice instead?
      Yes, but increase broth to 3 cups and baking time to 75–90 minutes.
      2. Is it okay to use boneless chicken?
      Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts will cook faster — check after 40 minutes.
      3. What if my rice isn’t fully cooked?
      Cover and bake for an extra 10 minutes, adding 1/4 cup broth if needed.
      4. Can I use a different grain like quinoa?
      Yes — quinoa works well but only needs about 30–35 minutes. Bake uncovered after 15 mins.
      5. How do I get crispy chicken skin?
      Pat skin dry and broil uncovered for the last 5 minutes.
      6. Can I prep it ahead of time?
      Yes — assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking.
      7. Can I add vegetables to the rice?
      Definitely! Carrots, peas, corn, zucchini, or green beans all work well.
      8. What if I don’t have broth?
      Use water plus 1 bouillon cube or 1 tsp poultry seasoning.
      9. Can I use a Dutch oven instead of a baking dish?
      Yes — just make sure it’s oven-safe and big enough to hold everything.
      10. How do I serve this dish?
      It’s complete on its own but pairs well with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies.
      🏁 Conclusion
      This One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake is the perfect combination of ease, comfort, and flavor. With juicy chicken nestled in fluffy, seasoned rice and minimal cleanup, it's the kind of recipe you’ll come back to week after week.
      Whether you dress it up with cheese and herbs or keep it simple and classic, this dish is guaranteed to be a dinner win for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone who just wants a reliable, delicious one-pan meal.