The Best Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe Ever Made

Crafting a delightful oven baked chicken and rice dish promises comfort on your dinner plate tonight.

Aromas will soon fill your kitchen with warm, inviting scents of perfectly seasoned ingredients.

Tender chicken pieces nestled alongside fluffy rice create a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Simple spices and careful technique transform ordinary proteins into something extraordinary.

Minimal preparation means maximum flavor, letting you enjoy cooking without stress.

Weeknight dinners become special moments when you bring this wholesome recipe to the table.

Each bite promises satisfaction that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The meat should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices should run clear.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, so increase chicken broth by 1/4 cup and extend baking time by 10-15 minutes.

• What if I don't have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme works perfectly fine. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried thyme compared to fresh. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, use 1 teaspoon dried thyme.

Oven Baked Chicken And Rice Guide

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: This one-pan chicken and rice recipe eliminates multiple cooking steps, reducing kitchen cleanup and saving precious evening time for busy families.
• Customize with Confidence: Easily swap herbs or add vegetables to the dish, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs without compromising the core cooking method.
• Master Hands-Off Cooking: The oven-baked technique allows home cooks to prepare ingredients, then relax while the dish creates itself with minimal active cooking supervision.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivering a classic combination of tender chicken and fluffy rice, this recipe satisfies both kids and adults with its familiar, hearty flavors and simple presentation.

Ingredients List For Chicken And Rice

• Chicken: Lean protein that serves as the primary source of meat in this one-dish meal.

• White Rice: Provides a hearty and filling foundation for the chicken and absorbs the delicious chicken broth.

• Onion, Garlic: Add depth of flavor and create a fragrant base for the dish.
• Paprika, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Provide warm, earthy seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural taste.

• Chicken Broth: Ensures the rice stays moist and infuses additional flavor into the entire dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and adds a subtle richness to the recipe.

• Aluminum Foil: Covers the dish during initial baking to trap moisture and ensure even cooking.

Stepwise Instructions For Chicken And Rice Bake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the perfect cozy environment for a delicious meal.

Step 2: Prepare The Rice Base

Spread uncooked rice across a baking dish, then gently pour chicken broth over the grains, allowing them to absorb the rich liquid flavor.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and translucent, releasing their wonderful fragrance.

Step 4: Layer Vegetable Mixture

Evenly distribute the sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the rice, creating a flavorful foundation for your dish.

Step 5: Season The Chicken

• Paprika
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure each piece is well-seasoned for maximum taste.

Step 6: Position Chicken On Rice

Carefully place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice and vegetable layer, allowing the juices to mingle during cooking.

Step 7: Cover And Initial Bake

Wrap the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, trapping moisture and allowing flavors to develop.

Step 8: Uncover And Finish Cooking

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and the rice becomes perfectly tender.

Step 9: Rest And Serve

Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps redistribute the juices and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your comforting one-pan meal!

Tips To Enhance Chicken And Rice Bake

• Opt for long-grain white rice to ensure fluffy, perfectly cooked grains that absorb the chicken broth beautifully.
• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and allow more flexibility in seasoning the dish.
• Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions after baking for a burst of freshness and vibrant color.
• Check rice doneness by gently fluffing with a fork and ensuring no liquid remains at the bottom of the baking dish.

Variations On Oven Baked Chicken And Rice

• Vegetarian Rice Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and chili powder to the rice mixture, top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Gluten-Free Herb Garden Option: Use wild rice blend, swap regular broth with gluten-free broth, and incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary and sage for enhanced flavor.
• Mediterranean Inspired Adaptation: Season with oregano, add kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, and sprinkle feta cheese before final baking for a Mediterranean-style dish.

Best Pairings With Chicken And Rice Bake

• Family Comfort Platter: Serve this hearty chicken and rice dish as a complete one-pan meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table, perfect for cozy weeknight gatherings.
• Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Accompany the chicken with side dishes like Greek salad, tzatziki, hummus, and warm pita bread to transform the simple recipe into a vibrant Mediterranean feast.
• Leftover Lunch Remix: Shred remaining chicken and mix with the rice for a delicious next-day lunch, adding fresh herbs or a dollop of yogurt to refresh the flavors and create a new meal experience.
• Elegant Dinner Party Presentation: Garnish the dish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and toasted pine nuts to elevate the recipe's appearance and add sophisticated texture and brightness.

How To Store Oven Baked Chicken And Rice

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store chicken and rice separately to keep rice from becoming soggy and preserve individual textures.
• Refrigerated leftovers stay good for 3-4 days when properly sealed and kept at or below 40°F.

Perfect Oven Baked Chicken And Rice Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean-inspired oven baked chicken and rice delights palates with tender chicken nestled in fragrant rice. Herbs and spices create a simple yet flavorful one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners you can savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks

Grains:

• 1 cup long-grain rice

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (1 gram) dried thyme
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth

Salt and Pepper:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Create a uniform layer of rice in a baking dish, then gently pour chicken broth across the surface.
3. In a skillet, caramelize onions and garlic with olive oil until translucent and fragrant, then distribute evenly over rice.
4. Generously coat chicken pieces with a blend of paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper, positioning them carefully atop the rice mixture.
5. Securely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment for moisture retention.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and chicken to begin cooking through.
7. Uncover the dish, exposing the chicken to direct heat for an additional 15-20 minutes until skin turns golden brown and crispy.
8. Verify chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165F.
9. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and juices to redistribute throughout the meal.

Notes

• Use extra broth if rice seems dry, especially with brown rice varieties that absorb more moisture during cooking.
• Add diced carrots or bell peppers alongside onions for extra nutrition and depth of flavor without changing core recipe.
• Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make recipe vegetarian-friendly, and use cauliflower rice for low-carb option.
• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure golden, crispy skin and prevent steaming instead of browning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg