Oven Baked Chicken and Rice: A Comforting, Flavorful Delight for Any Meal
If you’re looking for a warm, hearty, and completely satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, aromatic rice, and rich flavors, then Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is the dish you need to try. This simple yet delightful recipe offers the perfect balance of savory chicken, fluffy rice, and a touch of indulgent butter. It’s the kind of meal that will leave your taste buds dancing and your family asking for seconds. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday meal, this dish brings comfort with every bite.
Ingredients: What You Need and Why
For the Chicken:
5 bone-in chicken thigh fillets: Bone-in thighs provide extra flavor and juiciness. They help keep the meat tender during baking, ensuring each bite is succulent.
1 tsp paprika: Adds a mild, sweet smokiness that enhances the overall flavor profile of the chicken.
1 tsp dried thyme: A classic herb that infuses the chicken with an earthy, aromatic flavor.
1/2 tsp garlic powder: Brings a subtle garlic kick without overpowering the dish.
1/2 tsp onion powder: Offers a soft, savory depth to balance the garlic powder.
3/4 tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and rice, helping to tie everything together.
Black pepper: For that little bit of heat and subtle spice that rounds out the seasoning.
For the Rice:
1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice: The main base of this dish. White rice absorbs the delicious chicken broth and seasonings, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
1 1/2 cups chicken broth: A rich, flavorful liquid that soaks into the rice, adding depth to the dish.
1 1/4 cups water: Balances the chicken broth to ensure the rice cooks perfectly, without becoming too salty.
Other Ingredients:
1 medium onion: Chopped and spread at the bottom of the baking dish, it releases natural sweetness during the bake, which infuses the chicken and rice.
2 cloves garlic: Minced to release their robust flavor, enhancing the savory depth of the dish.
2 tbsp butter or olive oil: The fat that helps carry the flavors of the garlic and onion, while also adding richness to the dish.
Olive oil spray (optional): A quick spritz on the chicken before the final baking adds a gorgeous, golden finish.
Fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley (optional garnish): For a pop of color and freshness, these make for an elegant garnish.
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Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s ready to bake your meal to perfection.
2. Prepare the base: In a large baking dish (about 10 x 15 inches), scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic. Place the butter in the center. This will allow the onion and garlic to soften and release their sweetness, creating a flavorful base for the rice. Bake for 15 minutes, checking at the 12-minute mark to make sure it doesn’t burn. Stir if necessary.
3. Season the chicken: While the onion and garlic are baking, mix the chicken rub ingredients in a small bowl: paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture generously over both sides of the chicken thighs. The seasoning creates a beautiful, aromatic crust on the chicken as it bakes.
4. Add the rice: Once the onion and garlic are soft and aromatic, remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the uncooked rice and stir it around to coat the grains with the melted butter and seasonings.
5. Add the liquids: Pour hot chicken broth and water around the chicken and rice. This will help cook the rice while infusing it with the rich flavors of the chicken and seasoning.
6. Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This ensures the rice cooks properly and absorbs all the flavors. The foil keeps the moisture locked in, so the chicken stays juicy and the rice cooks perfectly.
7. Finish baking: After 30 minutes, remove the foil. If you’d like a crispy, golden finish on your chicken, spray the skin with a little olive oil spray. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the chicken is cooked through.
8. Optional garnish: Before serving, garnish with fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
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Why This Recipe is Loved:
This oven-baked chicken and rice recipe is adored by home cooks because it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers unbeatable flavor. The combination of juicy chicken thighs, perfectly cooked rice, and aromatic seasonings makes this dish irresistible. The buttery rice absorbs all the savory goodness from the chicken broth and seasonings, while the chicken itself remains tender and juicy throughout the cooking process.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results:
Use bone-in chicken thighs: These provide the best flavor and moisture, keeping the chicken tender and juicy throughout the bake.
Hot broth: Make sure the chicken broth is hot when adding it to the dish. This helps the rice cook more evenly and speeds up the process.
Check the rice: Every oven is different, so check the rice after the initial 30 minutes. If it seems too liquidy, bake a little longer uncovered.
Avoid overcooking: Keep an eye on the chicken towards the end of baking. If it looks golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), it’s time to remove it from the oven.
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Serving Suggestions:
This dish is a meal in itself, but you can serve it alongside a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables to complete your meal. A light green vegetable like broccoli, spinach, or green beans would balance the richness of the chicken and rice perfectly.
Conclusion:
In summary, Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food that combines ease with exceptional flavor. With minimal preparation and a straightforward cooking process, this dish delivers rich, savory goodness in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to
satisfy. Give it a try and let its irresistible flavors make their way into your regular meal rotation.