Oven-baked chicken and rice is a comforting, one-pan meal that brings together tender chicken and flavorful rice, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or busy weeknights. This recipe is easy to prepare and allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, resulting in a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Rice
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth (or water)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper (to taste)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Method of Preparation
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear the chicken skin-side down until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the rice, thyme, oregano, and additional salt and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Combine Chicken with Rice: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the rice mixture.
Bake: Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for about 35–40 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Add Peas: If using frozen peas, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Skip Searing: Searing the chicken adds depth of flavor; avoid skipping this step.
Use Quality Broth: A good quality chicken broth enhances flavor significantly.
Check Liquid Levels: Ensure there is enough liquid for the rice to cook properly; adjust if necessary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It can also be paired with crusty bread to soak up any remaining juices.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
Chicken: A great source of lean protein essential for muscle health.
Rice: Provides carbohydrates for energy.
Vegetables (onions & peas): Rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Summary of Recipe
Oven-baked chicken and rice is an easy one-pan meal that combines seared chicken thighs with seasoned rice cooked in flavorful broth. This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This dish is loved for its simplicity and comforting flavors. The combination of juicy chicken and fluffy rice creates a satisfying meal that requires minimal cleanup—perfect for those who want delicious home-cooked food without too much fuss.
Interesting Facts
Oven-baked chicken and rice dishes are popular across various cultures, each adding their unique twist—whether it’s spices from Latin America or herbs from Mediterranean cuisine—making it a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit different tastes.
In summary, oven-baked chicken and rice is not only easy to prepare but also delivers on flavor and comfort, making it an ideal choice for any home cook looking to impress family or guests!
