Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty oven baked chicken and rice recipe that promises a delightful meal with minimal fuss.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among fluffy, seasoned rice grains, creating a one-pan wonder that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of savory flavors and satisfying textures.

The dish comes together effortlessly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Packed with protein and warmth, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal.

You’ll love how easily it comes together and how little cleanup is required.

Why Baked Chicken And Rice Comforts

• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken thighs for breasts or drumsticks based on your preference and pantry stock.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: One-skillet technique means fewer dishes and quick kitchen tidying after a delicious meal.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Oven baking ensures perfectly cooked chicken and fluffy rice without constant monitoring or complex techniques.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Uses affordable ingredients like chicken thighs, rice, and basic pantry spices for a satisfying family meal.

Must-Have Ingredients for Chicken Rice Bake

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy meat that provides the main protein source for this hearty one-pan dish.

• White Rice: Fluffy grain that absorbs the rich chicken broth and creates a comforting base.
• Chicken Broth, Water: Liquid ingredients that help cook the rice and infuse flavor into the entire dish.

• Olive Oil: Adds a smooth cooking base and helps develop golden color on chicken.
• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatic vegetables that provide depth and savory undertones to the recipe.
• Paprika, Thyme, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices and herbs that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken and rice.

Steps to Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F.

This temperature will help create a perfectly balanced dish that’s both tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Golden Chicken Sear

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.

Drop chicken thighs skin-side down and let them dance until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.

Flip and cook for another 2 minutes.

Gently transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Aromatic Vegetable Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and release their delightful fragrance.

Step 4: Rice Preparation

Sprinkle uncooked rice into the skillet and stir, making sure each grain gets a delicious coating.

• Chicken broth
• Water

Stir everything together to create a harmonious mixture.

Step 5: Seasoning Magic

Arrange the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice.

• Paprika
• Thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the skillet tightly with foil or a lid.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 7: Crispy Skin Finale

Remove the cover and switch the oven to broil.

Let the chicken skin crisp up for 5 magical minutes.

Step 8: Serve and Celebrate

Bring this beautiful one-pan wonder to the table and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Enjoy your delicious creation!

Tips for Fluffy Chicken and Rice

• Cover the skillet tightly with foil or a lid to trap steam, ensuring the chicken stays juicy and the rice cooks evenly without drying out.
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness, as they remain more moist during baking compared to chicken breasts.
• Toast the rice in the skillet before adding liquid to develop a nutty, rich taste and prevent it from becoming mushy during cooking.
• Adjust paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper to your preference, but don't be shy about seasoning – these spices bring depth to the chicken and rice.

Chicken Rice Bake Variations for Weeknights

• Gluten-Free Chicken and Quinoa: Replace rice with quinoa for a gluten-free, protein-packed alternative that cooks similarly to rice.
• Low-Sodium Herb Chicken: Use sodium-free chicken broth, replace salt with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage, and add lemon zest for flavor complexity.
• Mediterranean Vegetable Fusion: Mix in diced bell peppers, zucchini, and kalamata olives before baking to create a vegetable-rich one-pan meal with Mediterranean influences.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Rice: Swap paprika and thyme with Cajun seasoning, add cayenne pepper, and include diced andouille sausage for a bold, spicy version of the original recipe.

Chicken Rice Bake Serving Ideas

• Family Feast Night: Create a cozy dinner experience by serving this chicken and rice dish with warm crusty bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal that brings everyone together.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add brightness, color, and a burst of fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Mediterranean Side Twist: Pair with a quick cucumber and tomato salad dressed in lemon and olive oil to complement the rich, savory flavors of the chicken and provide a light, refreshing contrast.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Serve with a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay to enhance the herb-infused chicken and create a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.

Storing Baked Chicken and Rice for Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers. Wrap securely and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place portion on a microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle a few drops of water to maintain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• Do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?

No, for this recipe, you don’t need to rinse the rice. The broth and water will help cook the rice perfectly in the oven.

• What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe. It absorbs liquid well and creates a fluffy texture without becoming mushy.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free certified. The recipe is naturally gluten-free otherwise.

Oven Baked Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent oven baked chicken and rice delivers pure comfort on a plate, blending tender chicken with perfectly seasoned rice. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Grains and Liquid Base:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing for a comforting one-pan meal.
2. Select an oven-safe skillet and heat olive oil over medium temperature, creating a golden sear on chicken thighs by cooking skin-side down for 3-4 minutes, then flipping for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a temporary plate, leaving behind flavorful pan drippings.
4. In the same skillet, soften diced onions and minced garlic, releasing their aromatic essence.
5. Introduce uncooked rice to the skillet, gently stirring to ensure each grain is coated with savory remnants.
6. Pour chicken broth and water into the skillet, creating a liquid foundation for the rice to absorb.
7. Strategically position the seared chicken thighs atop the rice mixture, then sprinkle paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
8. Seal the skillet completely with foil or a tight-fitting lid, maintaining moisture during baking.
9. Slide the covered skillet into the preheated oven, allowing 35-40 minutes for rice to become tender and chicken to cook thoroughly.
10. Remove the cover and activate the broiler for 5 minutes, transforming chicken skin into a crispy, golden exterior.
11. Let the dish rest momentarily before serving, ensuring optimal flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Select bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and moisture retention during baking.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Toast rice briefly in the skillet before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness.
• Ensure even cooking by choosing a skillet with consistent heat distribution and tight-fitting lid.
• Swap white rice with brown rice for added fiber, though cooking time might need slight adjustment.
• Include fresh herbs like parsley or chives as garnish for brightness and visual appeal.
• Customize spice blend by experimenting with smoked paprika, oregano, or cayenne for varied flavor profiles.
• Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer for food safety.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg