There’s something so comforting about the aroma of a home-cooked meal wafting through the kitchen. Oven baked chicken and rice is one of those recipes that brings back fond memories of family dinners and cozy nights in. It’s not just easy to make; it’s also a dish that warms your heart and fills your belly without much fuss!
Why You’ll Love Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable
- Crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to get started on your delicious oven baked chicken and rice:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) – Adds rich flavor and keeps the meat juicy.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice – This is the foundation of the dish, soaking up all the flavors.
- 2 cups chicken broth – Enhances the taste of the rice and chicken.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Brings a sweet aroma to the mix.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Because nothing beats garlic in comfort food!
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots – A quick and easy way to add color and nutrients.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – For a hint of warmth and color.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – A classic herb that complements chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for flavor.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Just a touch for seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For cooking the onions and adding richness.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) – A sprinkle for a fresh finish.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create a delightful meal:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the rice to the skillet and stir well to coat the rice with the oil and onion mixture. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
- Nestle the chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the rice mixture. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed around the chicken.
- Cover the skillet or baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, remove the foil and add the frozen peas and carrots on top of the chicken and rice. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Substitutions & Additions
If you’re feeling creative, here are some swaps and additions you can make:
- Use brown rice instead of white for a healthier option, but adjust the cooking time as it takes longer to cook.
- Try adding different vegetables, like bell peppers or corn, to mix things up.
- For a little kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Tips for Success
Here are some tips to ensure your dish comes out perfectly:
- Make sure to cover your dish tightly; this helps the rice cook evenly.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- If you’re planning ahead, you can prepare everything up to the baking step and store it in the fridge for up to a day.
How to Store Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
If you have leftovers (which I doubt, because this dish is so good), let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
FAQs
- Can I use boneless chicken thighs? Yes, boneless thighs will work, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.
- What can I serve with this dish? A simple green salad or some crusty bread pairs beautifully with it.
- Can I make this dish in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Oven baked chicken and rice is truly a comfort food classic that brings joy and satisfaction to any meal. For more delicious recipes, check out easy chicken pot pie casserole or one-pot sausage and potatoes for treats you will love!
Don’t forget to follow my Pinterest for more cooking inspiration and delightful recipes!
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the rice to the skillet and stir well to coat the rice with the oil and onion mixture. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and add the paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Nestle the chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the rice mixture. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed around the chicken.
- Step 6: Cover the skillet or baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- Step 8: After 40 minutes, remove the foil and add the frozen peas and carrots on top of the chicken and rice. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Step 9: Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
