The Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe: A Tasty Weeknight Win

Chicken and rice dish fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas when this oven baked chicken and rice recipe starts sizzling.

Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than tender chicken nestled alongside perfectly fluffy rice.

Home cooks appreciate meals that combine simplicity with incredible flavor profiles.

Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines inspire these one-pan wonders that minimize cleanup while maximizing taste.

Families love how easily this recipe comes together with minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation.

Crispy chicken skin and creamy rice create a delightful textural contrast everyone will adore.

Let’s transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into something spectacular you’ll want to make again and again.

Why Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Is a Weeknight Hero

• Effortless One-Pan Wonder: This chicken and rice recipe simplifies dinner with minimal cleanup, combining protein and starch in a single baking dish for busy home cooks.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort Food: The blend of paprika, garlic, onion powder, and thyme creates a deeply seasoned dish that delivers rich, homemade taste in every single bite.
• Perfectly Crispy Skin, Tender Rice: The clever baking method ensures juicy chicken with golden, crispy skin while simultaneously cooking fluffy, moisture-absorbing rice underneath, guaranteeing a balanced texture in every forkful.
• Hands-Off Cooking Technique: With just 5 minutes of preparation and an hour of oven time, this recipe allows you to walk away and return to a complete, delicious meal without constant monitoring or complex cooking skills.

Everything You Need for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

• Chicken Thighs: Hearty and flavorful meat that becomes tender and juicy when baked, with crispy skin for extra texture. Bone-in, skin-on thighs recommended for best results.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Aromatic spice mix that adds depth and warmth to the chicken, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. Use fresh, high-quality spices for maximum taste.

• Uncooked Rice: Serves as the foundation of the dish, absorbing delicious chicken juices and becoming fluffy and flavorful. Long-grain white rice works best for even cooking.

• Chicken Broth, Water: Provides moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the rice. Homemade or low-sodium broth recommended for better control of saltiness.

• Onion, Garlic: Adds layers of savory flavor and depth to the dish. Fresh ingredients preferred for more intense taste.

• Thyme, Melted Butter: Herbs bring earthy notes while butter adds richness and helps create a golden, crispy surface. Fresh thyme can be substituted for dried if available.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish. Completely optional but provides a nice color and light herb flavor.

Steps for Cooking Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Just Right

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). This is where the magic begins!

Step 2: Spice Things Up

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

Massage this spectacular spice blend all over the chicken thighs until they’re completely dressed in flavor.

Step 3: Rice Preparation

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

Whisk everything together and pour this liquid gold over the rice.

Step 4: Chicken Placement

Gently nestle the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice, skin facing upward. This will help create that irresistible crispy skin while letting the rice soak up all those delicious chicken juices.

Step 5: Baking Adventure

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for golden-brown chicken, tender rice, and all the liquid absorbed.

Step 6: Final Touches

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes – patience is key! Fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle some fresh parsley on top if you’re feeling fancy. Serve alongside a crisp salad or your favorite vegetables.

Pro Tips for Flavorful Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

• Spice Customization: Adjust the spice blend to match your flavor preferences by adding cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for a deeper taste.
• Rice Liquid Ratio: Ensure perfect rice texture by maintaining the exact liquid measurement; too much can make it mushy, while too little leads to dry grains.
• Skin Crispiness Hack: Pat chicken thighs dry before seasoning to help the skin become extra crispy and golden during baking.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, making it an excellent option for busy weeknight dinners or advanced meal planning.
• Dietary Swap: Replace chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts or use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.

Best Way to Store Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled chicken and rice to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Package meal in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 1520 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Microwave Option: Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

Tasty Matches for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich chicken flavors, complementing the dish's herbs and spices with its bright, refreshing notes.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare a medley of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus to add color, nutrition, and a caramelized texture that enhances the main dish's savory profile.
• Serve with Cool Greek Salad: Create a tangy side salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese, dressed in olive oil and lemon juice to provide a fresh, light contrast to the hearty chicken and rice.
• Complement with Herbal Iced Tea: Brew a light, unsweetened herbal tea with mint or lemon to cleanse the palate and offer a refreshing beverage that balances the meal's richness.

Switch It Up: Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Ideas

• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace thyme with a blend of rosemary, oregano, and basil. Add diced sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese over the rice for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Swap paprika with chili powder and add ground cumin. Mix in diced green chilies and top with pepper jack cheese before the final bake. Serve with a dollop of fresh cilantro-lime sour cream.
• Creamy Mushroom Comfort: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms and mix into the rice. Replace some chicken broth with cream of mushroom soup for extra richness. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Asian Ginger Fusion: Incorporate minced ginger and replace some broth with soy sauce. Add sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Drizzle with a quick teriyaki glaze after baking for an extra layer of flavor.

Common Questions About Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

• Why use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

Bone-in chicken thighs provide more flavor and stay juicier during baking compared to boneless chicken. The bones help retain moisture and add rich taste to both the meat and rice.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time. If substituting, increase broth by 1/2 cup and extend baking time by 15-20 minutes. Check rice tenderness and chicken temperature to ensure proper cooking.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Always use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (75C). The meat should be white throughout with no pink areas and clear juices when pierced.

• What if I don't have all the specific spices?

You can create similar flavor profiles by using a premixed poultry seasoning or substitute with herbs like rosemary or oregano. The key is maintaining a balanced blend of savory seasonings that complement the chicken.

Oven Baked Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Savor hearty comfort with this classic Oven Baked Chicken and Rice dish, bringing together tender meat and fluffy grains in one delicious pan. Perfectly seasoned and easily prepared, this meal delivers home-style warmth with minimal effort, making it a reliable dinner solution you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

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

Seasonings:

• 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. Craft a zesty spice blend by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl. Thoroughly massage this aromatic mixture across the entire surface of the chicken thighs, ensuring complete and even coverage.
2. Select a spacious baking dish and create an even layer of uncooked rice across the bottom. Whisk together chicken broth, water, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, melted butter, thyme, salt, and pepper in a separate container. Pour this flavorful liquid mixture directly over the rice, allowing it to distribute evenly.
3. Carefully position the seasoned chicken thighs atop the rice, positioning them skin-side up to promote a crispy exterior while allowing the meat’s natural juices to infuse the underlying grains.
4. Shield the baking dish completely with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment that will help steam and cook the ingredients. Transfer to a preheated oven set at 350F (175C) and allow to roast for approximately 30 minutes.
5. Remove the foil barrier, revealing the developing dish. Continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes, monitoring the chicken’s golden transformation and ensuring the rice reaches a tender consistency.
6. Verify the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165F (75C) using a meat thermometer. Remove from the oven and permit the dish to rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle and integrate.
7. Gently fluff the rice with a fork, releasing trapped steam and creating a light, airy texture. Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch. Serve immediately alongside complementary vegetables or a crisp salad.

Notes

• Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to ensure maximum flavor and moisture during baking, preventing dry meat.
• Choose long-grain white rice like basmati or jasmine for the best texture and ability to absorb flavors without becoming mushy.
• Customize spice blend by adding smoked paprika or cayenne for extra heat, or using herbs like rosemary for a different flavor profile.
• Ensure precise liquid-to-rice ratio to achieve perfectly fluffy rice; too little liquid results in crunchy rice, while too much creates a soggy consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg