Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice

This Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. It’s a one-pan wonder that combines juicy chicken with buttery, garlicky rice. This dish stands out because it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a comforting meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting friends or just feeding the family, this easy recipe fits any occasion.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For Garnish
• How to Make Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
• Step 3: Season the Chicken
• Step 4: Add Rice to the Dish
• Step 5: Assemble Your Dish
• Step 6: Bake Covered
• Step 7: Finish Baking Uncovered
• Step 8: Rest and Serve
• How to Serve Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice
• Family-Style Serving
• Garnished Plates
• Pairing with Sauces
• Accompanied by Fresh Bread
• Salad Companion
• Leftover Lunchboxes
• How to Perfect Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice
• Best Side Dishes for Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice
• Reheating Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice?
• Can I use brown rice instead?
• What other proteins can I use?
• How do I make Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice gluten-free?
• Can I customize this recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With minimal prep time and one pan to clean, this dish makes cooking a breeze.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, onion, and butter infuses the rice with rich flavors that complement the seasoned chicken.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute chicken cuts and rice varieties based on what’s available in your kitchen.
• Meal for Everyone: This hearty dish serves five people, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything together means less mess and more time enjoying your meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish (10×15-inch)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and chopping board
• Aluminum foil

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A good-sized baking dish helps everything cook evenly while keeping cleanup simple.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients like the Chicken Rub, ensuring even seasoning on your chicken.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the delicious flavors in this recipe.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
* 5 bone-in chicken thigh fillets, skin removed (see Notes for substitutions)

For the Rice:
* 1 onion, chopped (brown, white, or yellow)
* 2 large garlic cloves, minced
* 2 tablespoons (30g) butter (or olive oil)
* 1 ½ cups (270g) uncooked white rice (see Notes for rice options)
* 1 ½ cups (375ml) hot chicken broth/stock
* 1 ¼ cups (315ml) hot water

Chicken Rub:
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* ½ teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon onion powder
* ¾ teaspoon salt
* Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:
* Oil spray (for a golden finish)
* Fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking throughout your dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic in a 10×15-inch baking dish. Place the butter in the center. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until softened and fragrant. If browning too quickly, mix gently.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

While your onion mixture bakes, mix together all ingredients for the Chicken Rub. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken thigh for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Add Rice to the Dish

Remove the baking dish from the oven once the onion mixture is ready. Stir in the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom.

Step 5: Assemble Your Dish

Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice. Pour hot chicken broth and water around the chicken to keep everything moist during baking.

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Finish Baking Uncovered

After 30 minutes, remove the foil. If desired, spray a light layer of oil over the chicken for that golden finish. Bake uncovered for another 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and chicken turns golden brown.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let your delicious creation rest for about 5 minutes after removing from oven. Take out the chicken thighs carefully before fluffing up your rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if you wish. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice

Serving oven-baked chicken and rice can be a delightful experience for you and your guests. This dish is not only satisfying on its own but can also be enhanced with some creative serving suggestions.

Family-Style Serving

• Serve the chicken and rice directly from the baking dish for a rustic feel. Let everyone help themselves, making it a warm and inviting meal.

Garnished Plates

• Plate individual servings with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color. This adds an elegant touch to your presentation.

Pairing with Sauces

• Offer optional gravies or sauces on the side. This allows guests to customize their flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Accompanied by Fresh Bread

• Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls. The bread can be used to soak up the delicious juices from the chicken and rice.

Salad Companion

• A light garden salad served alongside provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty main dish. Consider using a simple vinaigrette to balance the flavors.

Leftover Lunchboxes

• Pack leftovers in lunchboxes for a satisfying next-day meal. Reheating is easy, making this dish perfect for meal prep.

How to Perfect Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice

To ensure your oven-baked chicken and rice turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose the Right Chicken: Bone-in thighs yield juicier results compared to boneless options.
• Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking; this ensures even cooking throughout the dish.
• Use Hot Liquids: Adding hot broth and water helps maintain cooking temperature, ensuring the rice cooks properly.
• Cover Tightly: Use aluminum foil to cover the dish tightly during baking. This traps steam, helping cook the rice evenly.
• Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to rest after baking lets flavors meld together, resulting in tastier servings.

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Best Side Dishes for Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice

Pairing sides with your oven-baked chicken and rice can elevate your meal even further. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Vegetables: Brighten up your plate with colorful steamed veggies like broccoli or carrots that add nutrition without overpowering flavors.
2. Garlic Bread: A crunchy garlic bread complements the buttery undertones of the rice while providing a satisfying texture contrast.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings freshness and crunch that balances out the richness of chicken and rice.
4. Roasted Asparagus: Tender roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil adds elegance and flavor without much effort.
5. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers creamy dressing and crispy romaine, creating a delicious contrast to this hearty main dish.
6. Herbed Quinoa: For a nutritious twist, serve herbed quinoa as a side that pairs well with both chicken and rice flavors.
7. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a comfort food favorite that works harmoniously with savory dishes like this one.
8. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob adds summer vibes to your meal while being simple to prepare alongside your main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Using cold broth: Always ensure your chicken broth is hot before adding it to the dish. Cold broth can slow down the cooking process and lead to unevenly cooked rice.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your chicken well! A good rub enhances the flavors, so take the time to mix and apply it generously.
• Overcrowding the pan: Avoid packing too much chicken into the baking dish. This can result in steaming rather than baking, affecting texture.
• Not resting before serving: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together. Skipping this step may lead to dry or unevenly flavored rice.
• Ignoring rice type: Using the wrong type of rice can alter the dish’s outcome. Stick with long-grain white rice for best results, as other types may require different liquid ratios and cooking times.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice

• Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It’s best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a skillet over medium heat. Cover and stir occasionally until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice?

Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice is a flavorful one-pan meal where seasoned chicken thighs bake over buttery garlic rice until tender.

Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but remember that brown rice needs more liquid and longer cooking time. Add an extra ½ cup of water and bake for an hour covered.

What other proteins can I use?

You can substitute chicken thighs with drumsticks or boneless cuts. Adjust cooking times based on thickness.

How do I make Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice gluten-free?

Ensure that you use gluten-free chicken broth and check any seasonings used in your rub for gluten content.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like peas or carrots during assembly for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite spices or vegetables to suit your taste. Give it a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that brings everyone together!