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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing for a comforting one-pan meal.
- 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.
- Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a temporary plate, leaving behind flavorful pan drippings.
- In the same skillet, soften diced onions and minced garlic, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Introduce uncooked rice to the skillet, gently stirring to ensure each grain is coated with savory remnants.
- Pour chicken broth and water into the skillet, creating a liquid foundation for the rice to absorb.
- Strategically position the seared chicken thighs atop the rice mixture, then sprinkle paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
- Seal the skillet completely with foil or a tight-fitting lid, maintaining moisture during baking.
- Slide the covered skillet into the preheated oven, allowing 35-40 minutes for rice to become tender and chicken to cook thoroughly.
- Remove the cover and activate the broiler for 5 minutes, transforming chicken skin into a crispy, golden exterior.
- 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