The Coziest Oven Baked Chicken And Rice Recipe For Family Dinners

Crispy, golden chicken nestled in fluffy rice creates a delightful meal that sparks joy at dinnertime.

Savory aromas will fill your kitchen as this classic comfort dish comes together.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.

Home cooks appreciate how easily these tender chicken pieces blend with perfectly cooked rice grains.

Mediterranean and American culinary traditions merge beautifully in this straightforward one-pan wonder.

Smart seasoning choices elevate basic ingredients into something genuinely memorable.

You’ll want to bookmark this foolproof recipe that guarantees satisfaction with every single bite.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out more quickly. Reduce cooking time by 5-10 minutes and check internal temperature for doneness.

• Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing helps develop a golden brown crust and adds deeper flavor to the chicken. While not mandatory, it significantly enhances the overall taste and texture of the dish.

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal as it cooks evenly and absorbs the chicken broth well. Basmati or jasmine rice are excellent options that provide great texture and flavor.

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Highlights

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: One-pan wonder that combines protein and grains, reducing cleanup and making dinner preparation a breeze.
• Packed with Flavor: Perfectly seasoned chicken thighs and aromatic rice create a delicious meal with minimal effort, combining rich spices like paprika and thyme.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe that welcomes personal touches like adding vegetables or switching up herbs, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Hearty, satisfying dish that appeals to both adults and kids, promising a warm and filling meal that brings families together around the dinner table.

Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

• Chicken Thighs: Flavorful cut of chicken with crispy skin that provides the primary protein for the dish.

• Paprika, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice blend that enhances the chicken's natural flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a savory base for the rice and chicken.

• Olive Oil: Creates a rich cooking medium and helps brown the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional depth of flavor for the rice.
• Rice: Serves as the hearty and filling base that absorbs the chicken and broth flavors.

Step-by-Step Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for cooking magic.

Step 2: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.

• Paprika
• Thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sear the chicken skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until it turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Transfer chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

In the same skillet, cook chopped onions and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Introduce The Rice

Add rice to the skillet and stir, coating every grain with the delicious oil and aromatics.

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Arrange Chicken On Rice

Gently place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice, nestling them comfortably.

Step 6: Bake And Cover

Cover the skillet with aluminum foil or a tight-fitting lid.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Step 7: Crisp The Chicken Skin

Remove the cover and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to create a crispy, golden chicken skin.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together before serving your mouthwatering meal.

Helpful Tips for Baked Chicken and Rice

• Pat chicken thighs dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Use long-grain white rice for best texture and absorption of chicken broth, preventing mushy or undercooked grains.
• Cover skillet tightly with foil during initial baking to keep rice tender, then uncover to crisp chicken skin without drying out the dish.
• Add fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley before serving to brighten the overall taste and introduce a fresh aromatic element.
• Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking to let juices redistribute, ensuring each bite remains succulent and flavorful.

Flavor Variations for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Chicken Rice: Replace thyme with oregano and add lemon zest for a bright, zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Rice: Swap paprika with chili powder, add cumin, and mix in diced green chilies for a bold, southwestern kick.
• Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and ensure chicken broth is gluten-free certified for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice, use chicken breasts instead of thighs, and add extra butter for increased fat content to align with ketogenic macronutrient requirements.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Chicken and Rice

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty chicken and rice dish as a comforting main course for family gatherings.
• Mediterranean Feast Companion: Pair with a fresh Greek salad, warm pita bread, and tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Gourmet Weeknight Special: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to elevate the presentation.
• Meal Prep Champion: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners.

Storage Tips for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

• Place leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Transfer portions to a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent dryness, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 350F, spread chicken and rice in a baking dish, add a splash of broth, cover with foil to retain moisture, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated completely.

Oven Baked Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and rice casserole promises comfort straight from Mediterranean kitchens. Simple ingredients create a one-pan meal that welcomes you to savor home-cooked warmth with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Grains:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Oils:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for the cooking process.
2. Pour olive oil into a large oven-safe skillet and heat over medium flame.
3. Generously coat chicken thighs with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper, then sear skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until achieving a rich golden color.
4. Transfer chicken to a temporary plate, leaving flavorful drippings in the skillet.
5. Introduce diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
6. Fold rice into the skillet, ensuring each grain is coated with the aromatic oil and vegetable mixture.
7. Stream chicken broth into the skillet, gently stirring and allowing the liquid to reach a gentle simmer.
8. Carefully position seared chicken thighs atop the rice, ensuring they are partially submerged.
9. Shield the skillet with aluminum foil or a tight-fitting lid, then slide into the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.
10. Uncover the skillet and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to crisp the chicken skin and complete the cooking.
11. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and rice to absorb remaining moisture before serving.

Notes

• Crisp Chicken Skin Secret: Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure maximum browning and extra crispy skin during searing and final baking stage.
• Broth Swap Technique: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or use bone broth for enhanced nutritional depth and richer flavor profile.
• Rice Texture Trick: Choose long-grain white rice for fluffy consistency, or substitute with brown rice for added fiber, adjusting liquid and cooking time accordingly to prevent undercooked grains.
• One-Pan Convenience: Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and seamless transition from stovetop to oven, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor development during cooking process.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg