Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Meal – Everything cooks together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Flavorful and Moist – The rice absorbs all the delicious chicken juices, creating a rich and tasty dish.
- Minimal Effort – Just a few simple steps before the oven does the rest of the work.
- Perfect for Families – A great meal that serves multiple people with little prep time.
- Customizable – Easy to adjust seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- Long-grain white rice
- Chicken broth
- Water
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Butter or olive oil
- Paprika
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: Vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Rice Base – In a baking dish, combine the rice, chicken broth, water, onion, and garlic. Stir to mix evenly.
- Season the Chicken – Rub the chicken with butter or olive oil and season with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange in Dish – Place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice mixture, skin side up.
- Bake Covered – Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered – Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, and the rice is tender.
- Rest and Serve – Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Herb-Infused: Use fresh thyme or rosemary for a deeper flavor.
- Vegetable Addition: Stir in bell peppers, peas, or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Different Rice: Swap white rice for brown rice, but increase the cooking time by about 15 minutes.
- Boneless Chicken Option: Use boneless, skinless thighs or breasts, but reduce the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave in 30-second increments or bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
How do I prevent the rice from being mushy?
Use long-grain rice and the right amount of liquid. Avoid over-stirring after baking.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time by 10-15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
What if my rice isn’t fully cooked?
Cover with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, adding a bit more liquid if needed.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by about 15 minutes and add more liquid.
Do I need to sear the chicken before baking?
No, but searing can add extra flavor and crispiness to the skin.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble everything in the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What’s the best chicken to use?
Bone-in, skin-on thighs or drumsticks are best for flavor and juiciness.
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but they can dry out more easily, so check for doneness early.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use olive oil instead of butter and ensure your broth is dairy-free.
Conclusion
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep, it delivers a delicious, well-balanced meal that the whole family will love. Try different variations to suit your taste, and enjoy a comforting homemade dinner with ease.
Print
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a flavorful, one-pan meal featuring tender, juicy chicken baked over perfectly seasoned rice. This easy and comforting dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum taste.
Ingredients
- 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Rice Base – In a baking dish, combine rice, chicken broth, water, onion, and garlic. Stir evenly.
- Season Chicken – Rub chicken with butter or olive oil and season with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange in Dish – Place chicken on top of the rice mixture, skin side up.
- Bake Covered – Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered – Remove foil and bake for another 25-30 minutes until chicken is golden and rice is tender.
- Rest & Serve – Let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice and serving.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add cayenne or chili flakes.
- Brown rice requires 15 extra minutes of cooking and more liquid.
- Boneless chicken cooks faster; reduce time by 10-15 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
