Name: Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 cup long-grain white rice (such as basmati or jasmine); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Finished Oven Baked Chicken and Rice with golden chicken and fluffy rice, garnished with parsley.

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Oven Baked Chicken and Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Busy Weeknights 🍗🍚🔥

1. Introduction

There’s something magical about the combination of tender, juicy chicken and fluffy, aromatic rice baked together in perfect harmony. This oven baked chicken and rice recipe has been a family favorite for generations, offering the ultimate comfort food experience with minimal effort. What makes this dish truly special is how the chicken juices seep into the rice as it bakes, creating layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

For those looking for more delicious one-pan meal ideas, be sure to check out our collection of easy family meals that are perfect for busy weeknights.

Golden brown chicken thighs resting on a bed of perfectly cooked rice, garnished with fresh parsley — The perfect oven baked chicken and rice – crispy skin, tender meat, and fluffy rice

2. Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering quality ingredients is the first step to creating this mouthwatering dish. Here’s what you’ll need for this foolproof oven baked chicken and rice recipe:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (the bone adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy)
1 cup long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine work beautifully)
2 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
1 small onion, finely diced (yellow or white for sweetness)
2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for maximum flavor)
1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika adds wonderful depth)
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves)
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin for best results)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional but adds freshness)

For those who love experimenting with flavors, you might enjoy this alternative version of baked chicken and rice that incorporates different herbs and spices.

3. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Rice

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature ensures even cooking without drying out the chicken. In a 9×13 inch baking dish (or similar size), combine the uncooked rice, diced onion, and minced garlic. The rice will absorb all the delicious flavors as it cooks. Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a gentle stir to distribute the ingredients evenly. The liquid should just cover the rice mixture.

Close-up of raw chicken pieces and rice mixture in baking dish before cooking — Prepping the rice base ensures even cooking and flavor distribution

Step 2: Season the Chicken to Perfection

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels – this crucial step helps achieve crispy skin. In a small bowl, create your seasoning blend by mixing together the paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. The paprika not only adds flavor but also gives the chicken its beautiful golden color. Generously rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure to get under the skin as well for maximum flavor penetration.

Hands seasoning chicken thighs with spice mixture — Proper seasoning is key to flavorful chicken

Step 3: Assemble Your One-Pan Masterpiece

Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish. The chicken should be arranged in a single layer with some space between pieces. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken – this helps the skin crisp up beautifully. The final crucial step before baking is to cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This creates a steamy environment that cooks the rice perfectly while keeping the chicken moist.

Baking dish covered with foil ready for the oven — The foil cover is essential for perfect rice texture

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your prepared dish in the preheated oven and bake covered for 45 minutes. This initial covered cooking time allows the rice to absorb all the liquid and flavors while the chicken cooks through gently. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. This uncovered time is when the magic happens – the chicken skin turns golden and crispy while any excess moisture evaporates. The rice should be tender and fluffy, and the chicken should register 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer when inserted into the thickest part.

Baking dish being placed in oven with oven mitts — The final bake creates that perfect crispy skin

4. Serving Suggestions

Once your oven baked chicken and rice is ready, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving – this allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. For a complete meal, consider serving with:

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables
Warm crusty bread to soak up any delicious juices
A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon

5. Storage and Reheating Tips

This oven baked chicken and rice makes excellent leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating:

Microwave method: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Oven method: Transfer to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Skillet method: For crispier skin, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.

6. Delicious Variations to Try

While the classic version is always delicious, here are some creative twists to keep this oven baked chicken and rice recipe exciting:

Mediterranean Style: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese to the rice mixture
Spanish-Inspired: Stir in a pinch of saffron and some diced chorizo for a paella-like flavor
Creamy Mushroom: Sauté mushrooms with the onions and add a splash of cream to the broth
Lemon-Herb: Add lemon zest to the seasoning and squeeze fresh lemon juice over before serving

7. Expert Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

Rice selection matters: Long-grain rice works best as it stays fluffy and separate. Avoid short-grain or instant rice which can become mushy.
Don’t skimp on the fat: The chicken skin and olive oil contribute to both flavor and texture. For a lighter version, you can remove the skin after baking.
Check your oven temperature: Oven thermostats can be inaccurate. Use an oven thermometer to ensure proper temperature.
Rest before serving: Allowing the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the rice set and flavors meld.

8. Nutritional Information

This oven baked chicken and rice provides a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (1 chicken thigh with ½ cup rice):

Calories: 450-500 (varies based on chicken size and exact ingredients)
Protein: 28-32g (excellent source of lean protein)
Carbohydrates: 35-40g (complex carbs from the rice)
Fat: 20-25g (mostly healthy unsaturated fats)
Fiber: 1-2g (can be increased by using brown rice or adding vegetables)

9. Why This Recipe Works

This oven baked chicken and rice recipe succeeds because it follows fundamental cooking principles while being incredibly adaptable. The bone-in chicken thighs stay juicy during the longer cooking time, while the skin protects the meat and becomes deliciously crispy. The rice cooks in the flavorful chicken broth and absorbs all the delicious juices from the chicken as it bakes, creating layers of flavor in every bite.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility – it’s equally at home on a weeknight dinner table as it is at a casual weekend gathering. The hands-off cooking method means you can prepare other dishes or simply relax while your oven does the work. Plus, the single-pan preparation makes cleanup a breeze.

10. Conclusion

This oven baked chicken and rice recipe is proof that simple ingredients, when prepared with care, can create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or need a reliable dish to bring to potlucks, this recipe delivers every time. The combination of crispy-skinned chicken and flavorful rice is comfort food at its finest – satisfying, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable to your personal tastes.

Once you try this method, you’ll understand why it’s been a beloved classic for generations. The aromas that fill your kitchen as it bakes are just a preview of the delicious meal to come. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking! 🍽️✨

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