Delicious oven baked chicken served with rice on a plate

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a wonderful dish that brings together juicy chicken and tasty rice, all cooked together in one pan. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also allows the flavors to blend beautifully while baking. Whether you’re cooking for your family or having friends over, this comforting meal is sure to please everyone. Plus, using just one baking dish means less cleanup for you!

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

  • 5 bone-in chicken thigh fillets, peel skin OFF (Note 1)
  • 1 onion, chopped (brown, white, or yellow)
  • 2 cloves garlic (large), minced
  • 2 tbsp (30g) butter (or olive oil)
  • 1 1/2 cups (270g) uncooked white rice (Note 3)
  • 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) chicken broth/stock, hot (I microwave)
  • 1 1/4 cups (315 ml) water, hot (tap is fine)
  • 1 tsp paprika powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • Black pepper
  • Oil spray
  • Fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic in a baking dish (about 10 x 15 inches or 25 x 35 cm). Place the butter in the center of the dish.
  3. Bake the onion and garlic for 15 minutes. Check at 12 minutes and mix if some bits are browning too much.
  4. While the onion and garlic are baking, mix together the chicken rub with the paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this rub on both sides of the chicken thighs.
  5. After 15 minutes, take the baking dish out of the oven. Add the uncooked rice and mix it with the onion and garlic.
  6. Place the chicken on top of the rice. Then pour the hot chicken broth and water around the chicken.
  7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and spray the chicken lightly with oil (this step is optional but gives the chicken a nice finish). Bake for another 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
  8. Let the dish stand for 5 minutes after baking. Then remove the chicken and fluff up the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired, serve, and enjoy!

How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Serve the Chicken and Rice hot right from the oven! You can add a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. This dish is perfect as it is, or you can drizzle some gravy over the top if you like.

How to Store Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

If you have leftovers, let the Chicken and Rice cool down completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just remember to reheat them thoroughly before serving.

Tips to Make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

  1. Make sure to use hot broth and water for the best results.
  2. If you want more flavor, marinate the chicken with spices for a few hours before cooking.
  3. For crispy chicken skin, you can skip peeling off the skin; just adjust the cooking time slightly.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding more vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers. Just mix them in with the rice before adding the chicken, and they will cook perfectly together!

FAQs

Can I use other parts of chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breast or drumsticks if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

What can I do if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can use water instead, but chicken broth gives the dish extra flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 75°C (165°F) for it to be safe to eat. You can use a meat thermometer to check.

This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice recipe is a simple, satisfying, and delicious way to enjoy a home-cooked meal with minimal fuss. Enjoy your cooking!