Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal, look no further than Oven Baked Chicken and Rice. This simple yet delicious dish combines tender, juicy chicken with fluffy rice, all cooked together in one pan, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, hosting a family gathering, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe will be a hit every time.

The best part about this dish is its effortless simplicity. With just a few key ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you’ll have a wholesome meal ready to go. The chicken gets crispy on the outside while staying juicy and flavorful on the inside, and the rice absorbs all the delicious seasonings, creating a perfect harmony of tastes and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ One-Pan Wonder – The chicken and rice bake together in the same pan, making clean-up a breeze.
✔ Effortless to Make – Just mix the ingredients, pop them in the oven, and let it cook while you relax.
✔ Juicy, Tender Chicken – The chicken bakes to perfection, staying moist and flavorful.
✔ Fluffy, Flavorful Rice – The rice soaks up the savory chicken juices, making every bite incredibly delicious.
✔ Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or switch up the spices to suit your taste.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – This dish stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for leftovers or prepping meals for the week.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

For the Chicken and Rice:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts if preferred)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
3 cups chicken broth (or water, if preferred)
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra flavor)
1/2 cup frozen peas or your favorite vegetable (optional)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Grease a large 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure they’re evenly coated.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Flip the chicken and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. This step helps lock in flavor and moisture, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it and place the chicken directly in the pan for baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Rice

In the prepared baking dish, spread the uncooked rice in an even layer.
Pour in the chicken broth (or water) over the rice, and stir in the butter if using. The broth will infuse the rice with rich flavor as it cooks.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken and Rice

Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice, skin side up.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
Bake for about 35 minutes.
After 35 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). During this time, the rice will absorb the flavorful broth and become fluffy.

Step 6: Add Vegetables (Optional)

About 10 minutes before the dish is done, you can add frozen peas or your choice of vegetables to the rice. Simply sprinkle them over the rice and return the dish to the oven to finish cooking.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Once the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender, remove the dish from the oven.
Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~400 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 700mg

(Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)

Tips & Tricks for the Best Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

✅ Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken – This cut of chicken ensures the meat stays moist and flavorful while the skin gets crispy during baking. If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken, adjust the cooking time as it cooks faster.

✅ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Ensure the chicken pieces are spaced out in the baking dish, allowing the heat to circulate evenly around the chicken and rice.

✅ Add Veggies – Feel free to toss in some veggies like carrots, corn, or broccoli for extra nutrients and color. You can add them in the last 10 minutes of baking.

✅ Customize the Rice – You can swap out white rice for brown rice or wild rice for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that these grains may require longer cooking times and more liquid.

✅ Make It Creamy – For a creamy twist, stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese with the rice before baking. This will create a rich, creamy base that’s extra comforting.

✅ Check for Doneness – Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, make sure the juices run clear and not pink.

What to Serve with Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

🥗 Side Salad – A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken and rice.
🍞 Garlic Bread – A warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rice.
🥦 Roasted Vegetables – Serve the dish with some roasted broccoli, green beans, or any vegetable of your choice for added color and nutrients.

Final Thoughts

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a wonderfully easy, comforting dish that makes for the perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep option. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious, filling meal that everyone will love. The juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and savory broth make for an irresistible combination, and the best part is that it’s all cooked in one pan!