If you’re searching for a comforting yet impressively simple dish, this Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Juicy, tender chicken thighs nestle perfectly atop fluffy, fragrant rice that’s been cooked in a flavorful blend of chicken broth and spices. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you get a one-dish meal that’s bursting with warmth, aroma, and soul, making it perfect for family dinners or anytime you want a fuss-free yet delicious meal on the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward, yet each item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the richness of butter to the earthy paprika, every component has been picked to bring out the best in this Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe.
- Chicken thigh fillets (bone-in, skin removed): Provides juicy, tender meat that stays moist during baking.
- Onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth when baked with garlic.
- Garlic, minced: Essential for that aromatic punch that wakes up the taste buds.
- Butter (or olive oil): Introduces a subtle richness that bathes the aromatics beautifully.
- Uncooked white rice: Serves as the hearty base that soaks up all the lovely flavors.
- Hot chicken broth/stock: Infuses the rice with savory goodness and keeps it tender.
- Hot water: Helps achieve the perfect rice consistency alongside the broth.
- Paprika powder: Brings a smoky warmth and a gorgeous red hue to the dish.
- Dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthy, herbal note that complements the chicken.
- Garlic powder: Layers extra garlicky flavor without overpowering.
- Onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor, ensuring it carries through.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Offers a gentle kick and peppery brightness.
- Oil spray: Optional for a bit of extra crispness on the chicken.
- Fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley: Perfect fresh garnishes that uplift the final presentation.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Bake Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic evenly in a baking dish around 10 x 15 inches. Nestle the butter right in the center. Pop this into the oven for 15 minutes to gently soften and release those wonderfully aromatic flavors. Give them a stir if you notice any sticking so nothing burns. This step sets a mouthwatering foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Season Chicken
While the aromatics are baking, mix together your chicken rub: paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning liberally on both sides of your bone-in chicken thighs. This simple yet flavorful rub ensures every bite of chicken sings with savory goodness.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Once the aromatics are perfectly softened, take the baking dish out. Stir in the uncooked white rice so it gets beautifully coated with the onion and garlic buttery mixture. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice. Pour the hot chicken broth and hot water evenly around the chicken, allowing the rice to soak up every bit. Cover the dish tightly with foil and place it back in the oven. Let it bake for 30 minutes while all those flavors mingle and cook together.
Step 4: Uncover and Finish
After the initial baking, remove the foil and give the chicken a light spray of oil for that optional golden crispness. Pop the dish back into the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 20 minutes. This finish lets the liquid fully absorb and ensures your chicken is cooked through and beautifully browned on top.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Give your dish a little breathing time with a 5-minute rest after baking. Carefully lift the chicken onto plates and fluff the rice below with a fork to keep it light and airy. A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or parsley at this point adds that final touch of color and freshness to your glowing Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe.
How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A simple shower of freshly chopped parsley or thyme instantly elevates this dish, adding a burst of vibrant green and fresh herbal notes that balance the rich, comforting flavors. You could even zest a little lemon over the top for a subtle zing that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or a side of sautéed greens. Something light and fresh offers a lovely contrast to the warm, hearty chicken and rice, making your meal perfectly well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe family-style in the baking dish for an inviting, rustic feel. For an elegant twist, plate the rice first, slice the chicken, and fan the pieces on top, then finish with garnishes and a drizzle of any pan juices or a quick homemade gravy for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the rice has soaked up so much flavor, reheated portions are just as delicious and comforting as when freshly made.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, place your leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely, heating until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a covered pan on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist and fluffy.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in for this Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook a bit faster, so you may want to reduce the baking time slightly to prevent overcooking. Keep an eye on the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it stays juicy.
What type of rice works best for this recipe?
Long grain white rice is ideal here since it cooks evenly and stays fluffy without turning mushy. Avoid quick-cooking or instant rice varieties, as they won’t absorb the flavors properly during baking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute the butter with olive oil or any neutral oil to keep it dairy-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Throw in diced carrots, bell peppers, or peas along with the rice to make it even more colorful and nutritious. Just keep in mind that extra moisture from veggies might slightly adjust the cooking time.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest method is using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Additionally, the chicken juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.
Final Thoughts
This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple, trustworthy, and oh-so-flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving an effortless homemade dinner, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try and watch it become a cherished favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and flavorful oven-baked chicken and rice dish featuring tender bone-in chicken thighs seasoned with a savory blend of spices and baked atop aromatic onion and garlic-infused rice. This one-pan meal is simple to prepare, with layers of herbs and spices delivering a deliciously moist and satisfying dinner perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 5 bone-in chicken thigh fillets, skin removed
Aromatics & Rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
- 1 ½ cups uncooked white rice
Liquids
- 1 ½ cups hot chicken broth/stock
- 1 ¼ cups hot water
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Additional
- Oil spray (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Bake Aromatics: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a baking dish approximately 10 x 15 inches, scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic. Place the butter in the center. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring if necessary to prevent burning, allowing flavors to meld and aromatics to soften.
- Season Chicken: While the aromatics bake, prepare the chicken rub by combining paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Generously sprinkle this spice mixture on both sides of the chicken thighs to ensure full flavor coverage.
- Assemble and Bake: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the uncooked rice to the onions and garlic, stirring well to combine. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice evenly. Pour the hot chicken broth and hot water evenly around the chicken and rice, ensuring the rice is well soaked. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: After 30 minutes, remove the foil carefully. Optionally spray the chicken with oil for a crispier finish. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to stand for 5 minutes to let the rice fluff and settle. Remove the chicken thighs from the dish, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme leaves before serving.
- Optional Gravy: Although the dish is flavorful on its own, you can make a quick gravy from the pan juices if desired by simmering the juices with a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken before serving.
Notes
- Removing the chicken skin reduces fat but preserving it will add extra crispiness and flavor.
- Substitute white rice with brown rice; however, increase the liquid and baking time accordingly.
- Use homemade or high-quality chicken broth for a deeper flavor.
- Make sure the baking dish is large enough to allow the chicken and rice to cook evenly without overcrowding.
- Resting the dish after baking helps the rice absorb any excess moisture and the flavors to set properly.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure that your chicken broth or stock is gluten-free and use gluten-free seasoning blends.
