The Perfect Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a delectable oven-baked chicken and rice dish brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Weeknight meals demand simplicity and flavor, which this recipe delivers effortlessly.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among fluffy rice grains, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Aromatic herbs and carefully selected spices infuse each bite with mouthwatering goodness.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Minimal preparation and one-pan convenience make this recipe a true lifesaver for busy home cooks.

You’ll want to savor every delicious morsel and share this culinary gem with everyone you know.

Why People Love Oven-Baked Chicken And Rice

• Simplify Cooking Technique: Bake an entire meal in one dish, eliminating multiple pots and complex cooking steps for a streamlined dinner experience.
• Maximize Flavor Potential: Roasting onions and garlic before adding rice creates a deep, rich base that infuses the entire dish with incredible aromatic goodness.
• Create Foolproof Meal: The step-by-step method ensures perfectly cooked chicken and fluffy rice every single time, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Customize with Ease: Swap herbs, adjust seasonings, or add vegetables to transform this basic recipe into a personalized family favorite that suits different taste preferences.

Oven-Baked Chicken And Rice Ingredients List

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful protein that creates the centerpiece of this hearty one-pan meal.
• Rice: Uncooked rice that absorbs the delicious broth and creates a soft, fluffy base for the chicken.

• Onion, Garlic: Fresh aromatics that provide a deep, savory foundation for the entire dish.
• Chicken Rub: Blend of spices that adds robust flavor and helps create a delicious golden crust on the chicken.

• Chicken Broth, Water: Moisture that helps cook the rice and infuse the dish with rich chicken flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions while creating a delicate base for the rice.
• Cooking Oil Spray: Optional ingredient that helps achieve a golden brown chicken skin.

• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Thyme: Optional herbs that add a bright, fresh finish to the completed dish.

Simple Steps For Oven-Baked Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting ready for a delicious meal that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 2: Create a Flavor Base

Spread chopped onions and minced garlic across a baking dish. Add a pat of butter in the center and let it bake until everything becomes soft and releases its wonderful aroma. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme
• Garlic powder

Generously coat both sides of the chicken thighs with this flavorful mix.

Step 4: Build the Rice Layer

Pull the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle uncooked rice over the softened onion and garlic mixture.

Step 5: Arrange the Dish

Gently place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the rice. Pour hot chicken broth and water around the chicken, creating a delicious cooking environment.

Step 6: First Baking Phase

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Final Baking Touch

Remove the foil and lightly spray chicken with cooking oil if you want a golden exterior. Bake for an additional 20 minutes until rice absorbs all liquid and chicken turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the dish sit for 5 minutes. Remove chicken, fluff rice with a fork, and sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Serve immediately.

Step 9: Optional Gravy Boost

Whip up a quick homemade gravy to elevate the dish’s richness and add an extra layer of comfort to your meal.

Tips For Great Oven-Baked Chicken And Rice

• Prevent Rice Burning: Stir onions occasionally while pre-baking to ensure even softening and prevent scorching at the bottom of the dish.
• Enhance Chicken Texture: Spray chicken with cooking oil before final uncovered baking to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior without drying out the meat.
• Liquid Ratio Matters: Use precise measurements of chicken broth and water to guarantee perfectly cooked, fluffy rice that's not too dry or soggy.
• Select Right Chicken Cut: Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and moisture, which stay juicier during the longer baking process.
• Herb Infusion Trick: Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley during the last few minutes of baking to boost the dish's aromatic profile and freshness.

Tasty Ways To Change Oven-Baked Chicken And Rice

• Herb Garden Chicken Rice: Replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts and use a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage instead of the original rub for a lighter, aromatic version.
• Mediterranean Fusion Rice: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth, add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and sprinkle feta cheese over the dish for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Rice: Use smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder in the seasoning. Add diced green chilies and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Gluten-Free Lean Protein Option: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice, and ensure all broth and seasonings are gluten-free certified for those with dietary restrictions.

Nice Pairings For Oven-Baked Chicken And Rice

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the rich, savory chicken and balance the dish's buttery rice.
• Create Zesty Side Salad: Whip up a bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which cuts through the chicken's richness and adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the warm rice.
• Enhance with Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the final dish to introduce a vibrant, green note that elevates the overall flavor profile and adds visual appeal.
• Match with Roasted Vegetables: Serve roasted asparagus or green beans with garlic and olive oil to provide a complementary vegetable side that adds nutrition and color to the meal.

Store Oven-Baked Chicken And Rice Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chicken and rice separately for maximum freshness, lasting 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. Will maintain quality for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat to 350°F. Spread chicken and rice in a baking dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place portions on microwave-safe plate. Add splash of broth, cover with damp paper towel.

Oven-Baked Chicken And Rice FAQs

• Can I use different types of rice?

Yes, you can use long-grain white rice, brown rice, or basmati rice. Just adjust cooking time and liquid amounts accordingly for best results.

• Do I need to rinse the rice before using?

It’s recommended to rinse rice to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky or clumpy during cooking.

• What if my chicken isn't golden brown?

If the chicken lacks color, increase oven temperature to 375°F for the final uncovered baking stage or briefly broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden finish.

• Can I substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts?

Yes, but chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily. Use boneless, skinless breasts and reduce overall cooking time by about 10 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 77-80 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice dish that blends tender chicken with perfectly seasoned rice. Savory layers of flavor create a satisfying meal that brings warmth and joy to your dinner table, ensuring you’ll crave this classic comfort recipe again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 5 bone-in chicken thigh fillets

Starches:

• 1 1/2 cups (270g) uncooked white rice

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 large garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper (to taste)

Liquids:

• 1 1/2 cups (375ml) hot chicken broth/stock
• 1 1/4 cups (315ml) hot water

Finishing Touches:

• Oil spray
• Fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F, preparing a spacious baking dish for a comforting one-pan meal.
2. Distribute finely chopped onions and minced garlic across the dish, placing butter in the center. Roast for 12-15 minutes until aromatics become translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Craft a robust seasoning blend and generously coat both sides of the chicken thighs, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Integrate uncooked rice into the softened onion and garlic mixture, creating a flavorful base.
5. Carefully position seasoned chicken atop the rice, then gently pour hot chicken broth and water around the meat, maintaining the chicken’s seasoned surface.
6. Seal the dish completely with aluminum foil, allowing the ingredients to steam and meld together during a 30-minute baking cycle.
7. Uncover the dish, lightly mist chicken with cooking spray for enhanced golden color, and continue baking 20 minutes until rice absorbs liquid and chicken develops a crisp exterior.
8. Allow the dish to rest 5 minutes, enabling flavors to settle. Gently separate rice with a fork and transfer chicken to serving plates.
9. Optional: Enhance the meal with a quick homemade gravy or fresh herb garnish like parsley or thyme for an elevated culinary experience.

Notes

• Prevent rice from burning by ensuring the onion and butter mixture is evenly spread before adding rice.
• Use a heavy-duty aluminum foil to create a tight seal, trapping moisture and helping rice cook perfectly.
• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts or drumsticks, adjusting cooking time to prevent drying out.
• For gluten-free option, verify all seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free and replace regular broth with gluten-free alternative.
• Create a healthier version by using olive oil instead of butter and choosing low-sodium chicken broth.
• Boost protein content by adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms alongside rice during initial baking stage.
• Enhance flavor complexity by experimenting with different herb combinations like rosemary, sage, or za’atar spice blend.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 62-65 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 384 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 387 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 84 mg