Oven Baked Chicken and Rice: A One-Pan Wonder
If you’re searching for a simple, hearty, and delicious meal that requires minimal effort, Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is the perfect dish for you. This one-pan wonder combines tender, juicy chicken with flavorful, fluffy rice—all cooked together in the oven. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, with just a few ingredients coming together to create a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
For more delicious and easy dinner ideas, explore One-Pan Recipe Collection and discover more Family-Friendly Recipes.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly while the rice absorbs all the flavorful broth. - Sear the Chicken
In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet, skin-side down. Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. - Prepare the Rice
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring it into the onion and garlic mixture for a minute or two. This helps toast the rice and enhances its flavor. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and bring it to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Combine Chicken and Rice
Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the skillet, skin-side up, ensuring they are slightly submerged in the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil. - Bake in the Oven
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is tender and fully cooked. If you are using chicken breasts, they may cook slightly faster, so check for doneness around 35 minutes. - Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Advanced Techniques
Enhance your Oven Baked Chicken and Rice with these expert tips:
Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken for Flavor
Bone-in, skin-on chicken provides the best flavor and moisture. The skin crisps up beautifully in the oven, while the bone helps retain juiciness. If using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, reduce the baking time and keep a close eye on them to prevent drying out.
Add Vegetables for More Nutrition
You can add vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or peas to the rice mixture for added nutrition and color. Simply add them after sautéing the onions and garlic, allowing them to cook for a few minutes before adding the rice and broth.
Make it Spicy
If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper onto the chicken or rice. This will add a spicy kick without overpowering the dish.
Try Different Rice Varieties
While long-grain white rice is a classic choice, you can experiment with other types of rice such as brown rice or jasmine rice for a different flavor profile. Just remember that different rice varieties may require different cooking times and water-to-rice ratios.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Oven Baked Chicken and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken is fully cooled before storing to preserve its texture.
Reheating Leftovers
To reheat, place the leftover chicken and rice in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Cover the skillet and heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully warmed.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the chicken and rice to cool completely, then store them in an airtight freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
Cleaning Tips
To avoid sticky rice, be sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet or baking dish as the rice can sometimes stick while cooking. If you use parchment paper or aluminum foil to cover the dish, cleanup will be easier as well.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice can be adapted to suit various dietary needs:
Gluten-Free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t include any wheat-based products. Just be sure to use a gluten-free chicken broth or make your own to ensure it remains gluten-free.
Low-Carb & Keto
For a low-carb or keto version, replace the rice with cauliflower rice. Simply sauté the cauliflower rice in a little olive oil before adding the broth and seasonings, and follow the same baking instructions.
Paleo Version
To make this dish paleo-friendly, replace the butter with coconut oil and use a paleo-approved chicken broth. You can also omit the rice and serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables.
Dairy-Free
If you’re avoiding dairy, substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. You can also skip the butter altogether and use additional olive oil to sauté the onion and garlic.
FAQs About The Recipe
1. Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, jasmine rice, or even wild rice. Keep in mind that different types of rice may require different cooking times and water-to-rice ratios.
2. Can I make this recipe with boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken will work, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Boneless breasts or thighs usually cook faster than bone-in cuts, so check for doneness after about 30-35 minutes.
3. Can I add vegetables to the rice?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers will enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic before adding the rice and broth.
4. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prep everything in advance and store it in the fridge. Then, just bake it when you’re ready to serve. You may need to extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes if the dish is cold from the refrigerator.
5. How can I make the rice more flavorful?
To add more flavor to the rice, try sautéing it in a little olive oil before adding the broth, or use a flavorful broth instead of water. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or some fresh herbs after baking for extra freshness.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is the perfect meal for busy days when you want something delicious and easy to make. This one-pan dish is simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding the whole family. With juicy chicken, flavorful rice, and minimal cleanup, it’s a dish you’ll come back to time and time again.