If you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and comforting dinner, this Oven Baked Chicken and Rice recipe is the perfect choice. With juicy, seasoned chicken thighs and perfectly cooked rice, this one-pan dish is ideal for busy weeknights. The best part? Minimal prep and easy cleanup!
This dish is packed with savory flavors, and the rice soaks up all the delicious juices from the chicken, creating a dish that is both rich and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes mean easier cleanup!
- Minimal Prep – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe easy for anyone to follow.
- Full of Flavor – The chicken rub infuses every bite with a delicious mix of herbs and spices.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Store leftovers for a hassle-free lunch or dinner option.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 5 bone-in chicken thighs, skin off
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter, cut into pieces
- 1 ½ cups uncooked white rice (long-grain, jasmine, or basmati work great)
- 1 ½ cups chicken stock
- 1 ¼ cups water
- Oil spray
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
For the Chicken Rub:
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect temperature for baking the dish evenly.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, scatter the chopped onion and place the pieces of butter on top.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the onions turn lightly golden.
3. Mix the Chicken Rub
While the onions are baking, mix together paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
4. Season the Chicken
- Rub the chicken thighs generously with the spice mix, ensuring they are evenly coated on both sides.
5. Prepare the Rice Mixture
- Once the onions are lightly browned, remove the baking dish from the oven.
- Add the uncooked rice and minced garlic, mixing them with the onions.
- Pour in chicken stock and water, ensuring the liquid is evenly distributed.
6. Arrange the Chicken
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture.
- Make sure the chicken is evenly spaced to allow for even cooking.
7. Bake Covered
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid and cook through.
8. Finish Baking Uncovered
- Remove the foil, spray the chicken thighs lightly with oil, and return to the oven.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
9. Garnish & Serve
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
🔥 Sear the Chicken for Extra Flavor – If you have extra time, sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet for a few minutes before baking. This creates an even deeper, richer flavor.
🍚 Use Chicken Broth Instead of Water – Using all chicken stock instead of water enhances the dish with more depth of flavor.
🌿 Experiment with Herbs & Spices – Add a sprinkle of oregano, rosemary, or cumin for a unique twist.
🧄 Add More Garlic for a Punch – If you love garlic, consider adding an extra minced clove for even more flavor.
🥦 Mix in Vegetables – Add diced carrots, bell peppers, or peas for extra nutrition and color.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead of Bone-In?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs work just as well, but they may cook a bit faster. Check for doneness at the 30-minute mark.
2. Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and additional liquid. Increase the water by ½ cup and extend the covered baking time by 15 minutes.
3. What Sides Pair Well with Oven Baked Chicken and Rice?
- Steamed vegetables (broccoli, green beans, or asparagus)
- A simple side salad
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted sweet potatoes
4. Can I Add Extra Vegetables to the Dish?
Yes! You can mix in peas, diced carrots, or bell peppers with the rice before baking.
5. How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
6. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before placing it in the oven.
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🍗 Oven Baked Chicken & Rice – Easy, One-Pan Comfort Food! 🍚✨
Description
Looking for a flavor-packed, no-fuss dinner? This Oven Baked Chicken & Rice is the perfect weeknight meal! Juicy, seasoned chicken thighs bake right on top of fluffy, flavorful rice—all in one pan for easy cleanup. Just mix, bake, and enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal with minimal effort! 😍
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
✔ 5 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
✔ 1 tsp paprika
✔ 1 tsp dried thyme
✔ ½ tsp garlic powder
✔ ½ tsp onion powder
✔ ¾ tsp salt
✔ Black pepper to taste
For the Rice:
✔ 1 onion, chopped
✔ 2 garlic cloves, minced
✔ 2 tbsp butter, cut into pieces
✔ 1 ½ cups uncooked white rice (long-grain, jasmine, or basmati)
✔ 1 ½ cups chicken stock
✔ 1 ¼ cups water
✔ Oil spray
✔ Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Bake the onions: In a 9×13” baking dish, scatter chopped onions and butter. Bake for 15 min until lightly browned.
3️⃣ Season the chicken: Mix paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4️⃣ Prepare the rice: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add uncooked rice, mixing it with the baked onions.
5️⃣ Add liquid: Pour in chicken stock, minced garlic, and water, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
6️⃣ Arrange the chicken: Place seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture.
7️⃣ Cover & Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8️⃣ Finish uncovered: Remove foil, spray chicken with oil, and bake uncovered for 20 minutes until chicken is golden and rice is tender.
9️⃣ Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Notes
🔥 Want extra flavor? Char the onions slightly before baking!
🍚 Using brown rice? Add more liquid & bake longer to ensure tenderness.
🥕 Customize it! Add diced carrots, bell peppers, or peas for extra color & nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is the perfect one-pan meal for any night of the week. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and requires minimal effort. The chicken comes out juicy and tender, while the rice is infused with all the delicious seasonings from the broth and spices.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or just want a simple yet satisfying meal, this oven-baked favorite will not disappoint. Try it today and let us know how you like it!