Let me tell you, my easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe is a total game-changer! It’s one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I remember the first time I made it; I was in a rush, and I thought, “Why not throw everything in one dish?” The result was magical! The chicken turns out juicy and flavorful while the rice soaks up all that delicious chicken broth and spices. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare, which is a must for me. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or even for meal prep for the week ahead. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s not just easy, but downright delicious!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need for my easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that comforting, flavorful dish we all love!
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for extra flavor, but you can use boneless if you prefer)
- 1 cup long-grain rice (I love using jasmine for its fragrance, but any long-grain rice works!)
- 2 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought; just make sure it’s flavorful)
- 1 onion, chopped (I like a yellow onion for sweetness, but any onion will do)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic really amps up the flavor—don’t skip this!)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (adds a lovely color and subtle smokiness)
- Salt to taste (I usually add about a teaspoon, but adjust based on your broth’s saltiness)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked is best for that extra kick!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (just enough to get that beautiful browning on the chicken)
Gather these ingredients, and you’re one step closer to a delicious, easy meal that will impress everyone at the table!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering easy oven baked chicken and rice dish in no time!
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s important to get that heat going so everything cooks evenly.
- In a large baking dish, combine the rice, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to make sure the rice is evenly distributed.
- Now, grab a skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully add the chicken thighs. Brown them on both sides—about 3-4 minutes per side should do the trick. This step adds so much flavor!
- Once the chicken is beautifully browned, place it right on top of your rice mixture in the baking dish. Don’t worry if it looks a bit snug; it’ll all come together in the oven.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap all that steam and moisture. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. This is where the magic happens!
- After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil—watch out for that steam! Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. You’ll know it’s ready when you see the chicken juices running clear.
And there you have it! Your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma, and you’ll be ready to serve a hearty meal that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is a breeze to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one dish, making cleanup a snap. Less time scrubbing pots means more time enjoying your meal!
- Flavorful Delight: The combination of juicy chicken and seasoned rice creates a mouthwatering flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, this dish is a nutritious choice that doesn’t skimp on taste.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix and match spices or add veggies to suit your taste, making it easy to keep things fresh and exciting!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting meal—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at the dinner table!
Tips for Success
Want to take your easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe to the next level? Here are my top tips for ensuring you get the juiciest chicken and the fluffiest rice every time!
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have a little extra time, consider marinating the chicken thighs in your favorite spices or a simple mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking. It really makes a difference in flavor!
- Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Chicken broth can vary in saltiness, so taste your broth before adding additional salt. You want to enhance the flavors, not overpower them! A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can also give a delightful kick!
- Check the Chicken: If you’re unsure whether the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer! The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures it’s safe to eat and perfectly juicy.
- Let It Rest: After pulling the dish from the oven, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute in the chicken and keeps everything moist.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to toss in some veggies like peas, carrots, or bell peppers into the rice mixture before baking. They’ll cook alongside the chicken and add some color and nutrition!
- Use a Quality Baking Dish: A good, sturdy baking dish helps with even cooking. If you have a heavy-duty glass or ceramic dish, it’s perfect for this recipe!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe. Trust me, your family and friends will be asking for your secret!
Variations
One of the best things about my easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe is how versatile it is! Here are some fun variations to keep your meals exciting and tailored to your taste!
- Spice it Up: Want to kick up the heat? Try adding some cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the rice mixture. If you love bold flavors, consider using a spice blend like Cajun seasoning or a dash of curry powder for an exotic twist!
- Vegetable Medley: For a nutritious boost, toss in some veggies! Frozen peas, diced carrots, or bell peppers can be added directly to the rice mixture. They’ll cook beautifully with the chicken and make the dish even more colorful!
- Different Cuts of Chicken: Feel free to switch up the chicken! Drumsticks, breasts, or even a whole cut-up chicken can work. Just adjust the cooking time if you’re using different cuts—breasts cook faster, while drumsticks may need a bit longer.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can elevate the flavor. Toss a few sprigs in with the rice before baking, or sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs over the dish just before serving for a burst of freshness!
- Lemon Zest: For a bright, zesty flavor, add some lemon zest to the rice mixture. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving can also add a delightful tang that complements the chicken perfectly!
- Cheesy Goodness: If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking. It’ll melt beautifully and add a creamy touch that’s simply irresistible!
With these variations, you can easily adapt my easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe to suit your cravings and keep your dinner table exciting. Enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional information for my easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the exact ingredients you use and their brands, so they’re not set in stone!
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
So, whether you’re counting calories or just want to enjoy a wholesome meal, this dish delivers comfort without compromising on nutrition!
FAQ Section
Got some questions about my easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe? No worries! Here are some common queries I’ve encountered, along with my answers to help you whip up this delicious dish with confidence!
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! You can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time. I recommend adding an extra half cup of chicken broth and baking the dish for about 10-15 minutes longer to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth or even water. Just know that the flavor might be a bit milder, so consider adding some extra herbs and spices to amp it up!
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the rice mixture and brown the chicken thighs ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate them separately. When you’re ready to bake, combine them and follow the cooking instructions. It’s a real time-saver!
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer! The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the juices run clear when you cut into the chicken.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! This easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It should last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for the best texture!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe, and now you’ve got some leftovers? No worries, I’ve got you covered on how to store and reheat them to keep that flavor intact!
First up, let’s talk storage. Allow the chicken and rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well to prevent any moisture loss or weird fridge smells from sneaking in!
Now, if you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the leftovers! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it should last for about 2-3 months. Just label them with the date so you know when you made it—trust me, you’ll want to know how long it’s been hanging out in there!
When it’s time to enjoy those tasty leftovers, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer the chicken and rice to a baking dish. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out. Cover it with foil to retain moisture and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you like a bit of crisp on your chicken skin, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking. Yum!
And there you have it! Simple steps to ensure your leftovers are just as flavorful and satisfying as the first time around. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe: 5 Flavorful Tips
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious oven baked chicken and rice recipe that is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine the rice, chicken broth, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the chicken thighs on both sides.
- Place the browned chicken on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning based on your taste.
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in spices for a few hours before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe
