Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe You’ll Love Forever

Tucking tender chicken into a hearty rice blend brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Savory aromas will soon fill your kitchen with this classic oven baked chicken and rice recipe.

Simple ingredients transform into a satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Each spoonful promises rich, layered flavors that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean herbs and carefully selected spices create depth in this straightforward dish.

The magic happens when everything melds together under gentle heat, creating a one-pan wonder.

You won’t believe how easily this recipe comes together with minimal preparation.

Grab your favorite baking dish and let’s make something delicious that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice That’s Full of Flavor

• One-Pan Chicken and Rice Miracle offers a hassle-free meal solution for busy home cooks.
• The spice blend and oven-baking technique create a restaurant-quality dish with just 15 minutes of active cooking time.
• Kids and adults will love the tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and comforting blend of herbs and spices.
• This recipe requires only one baking dish, reducing cleanup time and making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

• Chicken Thighs: Succulent cut with crispy skin and rich flavor, bone-in preferred for extra moisture and taste.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Warm, aromatic spice blend that enhances chicken’s natural flavor and creates a delicious seasoning crust.

• Uncooked Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for even cooking and absorbing flavors.
• Chicken Broth: Provides deep savory foundation and additional moisture for rice.
• Water: Helps create perfect rice texture and prevents drying.

• Onion: Adds sweet, subtle depth to the overall dish.
• Garlic: Brings rich, pungent undertone to enhance overall flavor profile.
• Thyme: Delicate herb with earthy, slightly minty notes complementing chicken and rice.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth, creamy rice texture.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional): Bright garnish for fresh color and subtle herbal finish.

Simple Method for Baked Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F and grab your baking dish.

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the spice blend all over the chicken thighs until they’re completely covered.

Step 3: Create Rice Foundation

Spread uncooked rice across the bottom of a large baking dish.

• Chicken broth
• Water
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Melted butter
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Pour this flavor-packed liquid evenly over the rice.

Step 4: Layer the Magic

Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs right on top of the rice, skin facing upward. This ensures crispy skin and juicy rice.

Step 5: Transformation in the Oven

Cover the dish snugly with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil.

• Rice is tender
• Liquid is completely absorbed
• Chicken turns golden brown
• Chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes.

Fluff the rice with a fork.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Serve hot alongside your favorite veggies or crisp salad.

Pro Tips for Moist Chicken and Tender Rice

• Boost Chicken Flavor: Marinate chicken thighs in the spice mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance deeper, more intense seasoning.
• Customize Rice Texture: Use long-grain white rice for fluffy results, or substitute with brown rice (add extra cooking time and liquid) for a nutritious twist.
• Perfect Crispy Skin: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure maximum skin crispiness and beautiful golden-brown color.
• Check Rice Doneness: Gently test rice by fluffing with a fork midway through uncovered baking to prevent overcooking and ensure even moisture distribution.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain chicken’s juiciness and rice’s texture.

Store Baked Chicken and Rice Without Drying Out

• Store cooled chicken and rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring they’re sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken and rice in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power, stirring midway and adding a tablespoon of broth to keep rice moist, typically 1-2 minutes per serving.

Sides That Go Well with Baked Chicken and Rice

• Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the herb-seasoned chicken and cut through its richness.
• Create a light green salad with cucumber, mixed greens, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty chicken and rice dish.
• Prepare simple roasted broccoli or asparagus with olive oil and sea salt to add color, nutrition, and a slight crunch alongside the tender chicken.
• Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the dish to brighten the flavors and add a vibrant, refreshing element that lifts the overall meal experience.

Variations for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Variation: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly option. Season cauliflower similarly and reduce cooking time to prevent overcooking.
• Gluten-Free Herb Alternative: Swap regular chicken broth with gluten-free version. Use fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano instead of thyme for different flavor profiles.
• Mediterranean-Style Chicken: Add kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, and sprinkle feta cheese before final baking. Use Greek seasoning blend instead of original spice mix for a Mediterranean touch.
• Spicy Southwestern Version: Incorporate diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder into rice mixture. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with salsa for added kick.

Oven Baked Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty “Oven Baked Chicken and Rice” delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, promising savory satisfaction in one delightful pan. Tender chicken nestled with fluffy rice creates a classic meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)

Dry Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or mixed herbs)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Harmonize the spice blend by whisking paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a compact mixing vessel.
2. Massage the aromatic seasoning thoroughly across each chicken thigh, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
3. Select a spacious baking vessel and create an even, uniform layer of uncooked rice across the bottom surface.
4. Craft a flavor-infusing liquid by combining chicken broth, water, diced onion, minced garlic, melted butter, thyme, salt, and pepper in a separate container.
5. Cascade the liquid mixture gently over the rice, guaranteeing complete and consistent distribution.
6. Position the herb-rubbed chicken thighs atop the rice landscape, arranging skin facing upward to encourage crisp caramelization during roasting.
7. Shield the entire dish meticulously with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment for initial moisture retention.
8. Slide the protected dish into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, allowing initial cooking for approximately 30 minutes.
9. Carefully remove the foil, exposing the developing dish to direct heat, and continue roasting until chicken achieves golden perfection and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
10. After removing from the oven, permit the creation to rest briefly, allowing flavors to harmonize and settle.
11. Delicately fluff the rice with a fork, releasing trapped steam and creating a light, airy texture.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve alongside complementary vegetable medleys or crisp salad.

Notes

• Select bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness during baking.
• Use long-grain white rice for best texture and prevent turning mushy during cooking.
• Customize spice blend by adding smoked paprika or cayenne for extra warmth and complexity.
• For gluten-free version, ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free and replace regular butter with ghee or olive oil.
• Allow extra liquid absorption time if using brown rice, which requires longer cooking and more moisture.
• Avoid lifting foil during initial baking to maintain consistent steam and even cooking temperature.
• Verify chicken doneness using meat thermometer inserted into thickest part without touching bone.
• Experiment with herb variations like rosemary or oregano to create different flavor profiles.
• Leftover dish keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheats beautifully in microwave with splash of additional broth.
• For lighter version, remove chicken skin before seasoning and baking to reduce overall fat content.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 485 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg