Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a timeless family favorite—flavorful, tender chicken nestled on a bed of fluffy, seasoned rice that’s all cooked together in one dish. The oven does the heavy lifting, giving you juicy, flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked rice in a no-fuss, no-stress dinner. This cozy meal is ideal for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners when you want something satisfying with minimal cleanup. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor in every bite.

What Makes This Dish Special?

This dish is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort meal. Everything bakes together in one pan, so the chicken juices soak into the rice, giving it rich flavor and a fluffy, creamy texture. You don’t need to pre-cook the rice or stand over the stove—it’s all about ease and comfort. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable with your favorite spices and vegetables.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 ¼ cups chicken broth
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp thyme (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Rice Base

In the baking dish, add the uncooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine and evenly distribute the ingredients.

3. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the skin with olive oil or melted butter, then season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.

4. Assemble and Bake

Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, skin-side up. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 50 minutes.

5. Uncover and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken skin is crispy and the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.

6. Let Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Variations

Add Veggies: Stir in peas, carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a one-pan veggie boost.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning for heat.
Creamy Version: Add a splash of cream or a handful of shredded cheese to the rice before baking.
Lemon-Herb Twist: Add lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the rice for brightness.

Equipment You’ll Need

9×13-inch baking dish
Foil
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Spoon or spatula

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

Calories: 420
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 325°F or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if the rice has dried out.

My Cooking Experience

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice has been a go-to comfort meal in my kitchen for years. I love how easy it is to prep and how the rice soaks up all that savory chicken flavor. It’s one of those recipes that never fails—perfect for lazy Sundays or impressing guests with zero stress. I’ve even doubled it for potlucks and gotten rave reviews every time.

Conclusion

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a one-pan wonder that brings big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, this dish is the definition of hearty, wholesome comfort food. Simple, satisfying, and always a hit at the dinner table.

Admin