This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe is a comforting one-pan meal that combines tender, juicy chicken with perfectly fluffy, flavorful rice. Seasoned to perfection with aromatic spices, garlic, onion, and a touch of butter, it’s a dish that feels indulgent but is incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting guests, this recipe is sure to impress.

With everything baking in one pan, the flavors meld together beautifully, and the chicken juices soak into the rice, making every bite irresistible. If you’re a fan of flavorful, hands-off meals like this, subscribe to receive more of my recipes straight to your inbox.

Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe

There’s so much to adore about this Oven Baked Chicken and Rice. It’s one of those recipes that simplifies your life without compromising on flavor or quality. Here are a few reasons why this dish will become a staple in your kitchen:

1. One-Pan Wonder: Minimal prep, one pan, and easy cleanup make this a practical meal for any night of the week.
2. Perfectly Juicy Chicken: Baking the chicken ensures it stays moist and tender, while the skin turns golden and crisp.
3. Flavorful Rice: The rice absorbs the chicken juices, broth, garlic, and spices, making it buttery, savory, and oh-so-delicious.
4. Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe by swapping out ingredients or adding vegetables for a complete, nutritious meal.
5. Family-Friendly: This dish is hearty, comforting, and loved by both kids and adults.

What Does Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Taste Like?

This dish is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The chicken is seasoned with a smoky, savory spice rub and baked until the skin is crispy. The rice, infused with chicken broth, garlic, onion, and butter, is soft, aromatic, and buttery. It’s the kind of dish that feels both hearty and homey, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks or boneless chicken thighs)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

This recipe is versatile and can easily be customized to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Vegetables: Add chopped carrots, green beans, or frozen peas to the rice for extra nutrition and color.
• Rice: Substitute long-grain white rice with jasmine or basmati rice for an aromatic twist, or use brown rice for a whole-grain option (adjust the liquid and cook time).
• Seasoning: Add a pinch of cayenne for some heat or a dash of turmeric for a golden hue and earthy flavor.
• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs if preferred, though the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Deep 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Mixing bowls for seasoning and broth
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking dish with a small amount of butter or oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend all over the chicken thighs, ensuring they’re evenly coated.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice

Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine chicken broth, water, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, melted butter, dried thyme, and salt. Stir well to combine, then pour the mixture over the rice.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice, skin side up. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.

After 35 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the chicken skin to crisp and the rice to finish cooking.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the dish is out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the rice to set and absorb any remaining juices. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve directly from the baking dish.

What to Serve with Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out further, consider serving it with:

• A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini.
• Warm, crusty bread to soak up any flavorful juices.

Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

1. Rice Type Matters: Stick to long-grain white rice or basmati for the best texture. Avoid instant or short-grain rice, which can become mushy.
2. Add Broth if Needed: If the rice is slightly undercooked after baking, add a splash of hot chicken broth, cover the dish, and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
3. Crispy Chicken Skin: To ensure golden, crispy skin, bake uncovered during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
4. Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor punch, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese over the rice before serving.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist. Alternatively, microwave individual portions with a little broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Add an extra 1/2 cup of liquid and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well, but reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative or olive oil.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to 12 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time when cooking it straight from the fridge.

Conclusion

This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe is everything you need in a weeknight dinner: easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup. The tender, juicy chicken and fluffy, buttery rice make this dish irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients or make ahead for busy days.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your creations! Share your photos and tag me on Pinterest or leave a review. Let’s inspire each other to make dinnertime delicious and stress-free.

More Recipes You’ll Love like Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out these flavorful dishes:

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet
• Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
• TikTok Chicken Cobbler

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 430
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 2g

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