Cozy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Family Dinners

Nestled in culinary comfort, this oven baked chicken and rice recipe promises a delightful meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Crispy golden chicken mingles with fluffy rice, creating a symphony of flavors.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully seasoned bite.

Home cooks will adore how simple ingredients combine into something magical.

Minimal prep work means maximum satisfaction for busy individuals seeking a wholesome dinner.

Fragrant herbs and tender meat guarantee a memorable dining experience.

Trust me, you cannot resist diving into this soul-satisfying dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Why Oven Baked Chicken And Rice Is A Family Favorite

• Dive into One-Pan Convenience: Skip multiple cooking tools and cleanup hassles with this single-dish wonder that brings chicken and rice together effortlessly.
• Create Bold Flavor Fusion: Packed with aromatic spices like smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that delights taste buds.
• Meal Prep Magic: Perfect for busy families and home cooks who want a hearty, nutritious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe delivers satisfying results with minimal active cooking time.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible recipe allows easy modifications like swapping chicken cuts, adjusting seasonings, or adding vegetables to match personal preferences and dietary needs.

Oven Baked Chicken And Rice Ingredient List

• Chicken Thighs: A flavorful and tender cut of meat that provides the main protein for this hearty one-dish meal.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Thyme, Oregano, Garlic Granules: A blend of seasonings that creates a rich and aromatic flavor profile for the chicken.

• Uncooked Rice: The foundation of the dish that absorbs the flavorful stock and creates a satisfying base.
• Hot Stock, Hot Water: Liquid components that help cook the rice and infuse it with additional flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatics that add depth and complexity to the overall dish.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Ingredients that provide richness and help develop a golden color and smooth texture.

• Fresh Herbs: A bright garnish that adds a fresh and vibrant element to the completed dish.

How To Bake Oven Baked Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (180°C) and get ready for deliciousness.

Step 2: Spice and Massage the Chicken

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Garlic granules

Massage the chicken thighs with this magical mixture, letting the flavors mingle for 15-30 minutes.

Step 3: Build Your Rice Foundation

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Olive oil
• Melted butter
• Hot stock
• Hot water
• Uncooked rice
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything until it looks perfectly blended.

Step 4: Layer the Chicken

Gently place your marinated chicken thighs on top of the rice landscape.

Step 5: Seal and Bake First Round

Cover the dish tightly with foil and slide into the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, letting the flavors get cozy.

Step 6: Crisp and Golden Finish

Remove the foil, give the chicken a quick oil spray, and return to the oven. Bake uncovered for another 30 minutes. For extra golden edges, broil briefly at the end.

Step 7: Rest and Serve with Love

Pull the dish out and let it rest for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, nestling the chicken back in. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve this comforting masterpiece.

Tips That Help With Oven Baked Chicken And Rice

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken soak in seasoning mix for 30 minutes to enhance taste and tenderness, allowing herbs and spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Choose the Right Rice: Use long-grain white rice like basmati or jasmine for best texture and absorption of liquid, ensuring fluffy and perfectly cooked grains.
• Oil Spray Trick: Lightly spray chicken with oil before final uncovered baking to achieve crispy, golden-brown skin without excess greasiness.
• Temperature Check: Use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
• Herb Boost: Sprinkle fresh parsley, thyme, or chives just before serving to add bright, fresh flavor and beautiful green color to the dish.

Tasty Ways To Change Oven Baked Chicken And Rice

• Vegetarian Rice Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using the same seasoning blend for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Swap thyme and oregano for fresh rosemary and basil, adding crumbled feta cheese on top for extra Mediterranean flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Incorporate diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder into the rice mixture, top with shredded pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower, keeping the same seasoning techniques and baking method for a lower-carbohydrate meal.

Perfect Sides For Oven Baked Chicken And Rice

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the herbal notes and cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Herb-Enhancing Side Salad: Create a light Mediterranean-style salad with cucumber, tomatoes, fresh parsley, and a lemon vinaigrette to brighten the dish's earthy flavors and add refreshing contrast.
• Creamy Accompaniment: Serve a cool tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce on the side, which provides a tangy, cooling element that balances the warm, spiced chicken and adds a creamy texture to the meal.

Storing Oven Baked Chicken And Rice Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the dish remains sealed to prevent moisture loss and bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to retain moisture.

FAQs For Oven Baked Chicken And Rice

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they tend to dry out faster. If using breasts, reduce cooking time by 10-15 minutes and check internal temperature to prevent overcooking.

• Do I need to rinse the rice before using?

No, for this recipe, you don’t need to rinse the rice. The uncooked rice will absorb the liquid and cook perfectly during the baking process.

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal. Avoid brown rice or quick-cooking rice, as they have different liquid absorption rates and cooking times that could affect the final dish.

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20-45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory chicken and rice casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending tender poultry with perfectly seasoned grains. Home cooks will discover a simple, hearty meal that satisfies hunger and warms hearts with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 6 chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g, skinless and bone-in)

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic granules
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) vegetable or chicken stock, hot
• 1 1/4 cups (315 ml) water, hot
• 1 1/2 cups (280g) long-grain rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine), uncooked

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
2. Whisk together olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and garlic granules in a mixing bowl to create a robust marinade.
3. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs in the seasoning mixture, massaging the spices into the meat. Allow the chicken to absorb flavors for 15-30 minutes at room temperature.
4. In a rectangular baking dish, combine diced onion, minced garlic, olive oil, melted butter, hot stock, hot water, uncooked rice, salt, and pepper. Mix ingredients until evenly distributed.
5. Carefully arrange the marinated chicken thighs atop the rice mixture, ensuring each piece is partially submerged.
6. Tightly seal the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, trapping moisture and allowing rice to steam.
7. Remove foil, lightly spray chicken with oil to enhance browning, and return to the oven for an additional 30 minutes.
8. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes until chicken edges turn golden brown and slightly crisp.
9. Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and rice to absorb remaining liquid.
10. Gently fluff rice with a fork, repositioning chicken if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor penetration, ideally up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more intense taste.
• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to ensure juicier and more flavorful meat during baking.
• Use long-grain white rice for best texture and prevent mushy results; basmati or jasmine rice work wonderfully.
• Keep stock hot when mixing with rice to help even cooking and prevent uncooked grains around chicken.
• Gluten-free adaptation: Confirm all seasonings are certified gluten-free and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
• Low-sodium option: Replace regular stock with homemade or low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake.
• Vegetarian transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

• Prep Time: 20-45 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 395 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg