Emil Niti
As a busy parent, finding time to cook a healthy meal can be tough. This oven baked chicken and rice dish is a complete, easy, and tasty one-pot meal. It’s perfect for your family, with juicy chicken and fluffy rice.
This dish is special because the rice soaks up the chicken’s juices, making every grain flavorful. It’s a healthy option for family meals and easy to make, even for beginners. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, so cleaning up is a breeze!
This recipe has been loved by 565 home cooks, scoring 4.91 out of 5. It cooks in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, making dinner easy. It uses bone-in chicken thighs for juicy meat that cooks with the rice.
Key Takeaways:
- Complete, easy, and delicious one-pot meal
- Features juicy, tender chicken and fluffy, flavorful rice
- Rice absorbs chicken juices for incredible flavor
- Healthy, family-friendly recipe
- Simple preparation and easy cleanup
Introduction to Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Oven baked chicken and rice is a tasty and simple meal great for busy families. It combines tender chicken with fluffy rice, all cooked in the oven. This recipe is quick to prepare and cooks without much effort, perfect for hectic weeknights.
The Perfect One-Pot Meal for Busy Families
Oven baked chicken and rice is loved for its ease and convenience. It serves 4 to 6 people, perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Prep time is just 5 minutes, and cooking takes 1 hour and 20 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal.
The dish is full of flavor. It uses tender chicken thighs, onions, garlic, and a mix of seasonings. This creates a comforting meal that gets high praise from home cooks, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Juicy, Tender Chicken and Fluffy, Flavorful Rice
The secret to this dish is in the ingredients and cooking method. It uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for moist and flavorful meat. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices.
The rice, whether basmati or jasmine, is rinsed and mixed with chicken broth, hot water, and sautéed onions and garlic. This makes the rice fluffy and flavorful, soaking up all the delicious tastes from the chicken and seasonings.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 749 | – |
| Fat | 42.9 g | 66.0% |
| Saturated Fat | 9.7 g | 48.4% |
| Carbohydrates | 56.6 g | 18.9% |
| Fiber | 2.9 g | 11.7% |
| Sugars | 1.6 g | – |
| Protein | 33.9 g | 67.7% |
| Sodium | 496.9 mg | 20.7% |
Ingredients Needed for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
To make a tasty oven baked chicken and rice dish, you need the right ingredients. This meal combines flavorful chicken thighs, aromatic long-grain rice, and seasonings that will excite your taste buds.
Chicken Thighs: Bone-In or Boneless, Skinless
You’ll need 4-6 bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe, making up about 40% of it. Bone-in thighs are juicier and more flavorful than boneless ones. But, if you want something leaner, boneless, skinless thighs are a good choice.
Long-Grain Rice: Basmati or Jasmine
Choose long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine for this dish, making up about 20% of it. These types of rice cook up fluffy and separate, ensuring each grain is perfectly cooked. You’ll need 1 1/2 cups of uncooked rice for this recipe.
Aromatics: Onion, Garlic, and Butter
Aromatics add depth and flavor to the dish. You’ll need one yellow onion, three garlic cloves, and two tablespoons of butter, making up about 10% of the ingredients. These will be sautéed to release their flavors and create a fragrant base for the rice.
Seasonings: Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Thyme, and Oregano
Seasonings are key to enhancing the taste of your oven baked chicken and rice. The main seasonings, making up about 5% of the ingredients, include:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
You’ll also need 2 cups of chicken broth and 3/4 cup of hot water to cook the rice perfectly. The table below summarizes the key ingredients and their proportions:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Bone-in chicken thighs | 4-6 pieces | 40% |
| Long-grain white rice | 1 1/2 cups | 20% |
| Aromatics (onion, garlic, butter) | 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp butter | 10% |
| Seasonings | See list above | 5% |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups | 20% |
| Hot water | 3/4 cup | 5% |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious oven baked chicken and rice dish that everyone will enjoy.
How to Prepare the Chicken for Baking
Preparing chicken for baking is key to a tasty oven baked chicken and rice dish. Bone-in chicken thighs are best because they stay juicy and tender. They cook at the same pace as the rice. Make sure to choose skin-off chicken thighs to avoid greasy rice.
To season the chicken, mix olive oil with spices like salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Coat the chicken thighs well with this mixture. If you can, marinate the chicken for 15-30 minutes to boost the flavors.
When using boneless chicken, adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking. Add boneless chicken after the rice has cooked for 20 minutes. This way, the rice cooks well, and the chicken stays moist.
For a flavorful rice, pre-boil chicken broth before adding it. This cuts down cooking time and ensures the rice is perfect. You can also use hot water mixed with chicken bouillon or stock powder as a substitute.
This oven baked chicken and rice dish is not only tasty but also healthy. One serving gives you:
- 524 calories
- 45g carbohydrates
- 29g protein
- 26g total fat (7g saturated fat)
- 131mg cholesterol
- 622mg potassium
- 4g fiber
- 1g sugar
- 4816IU Vitamin A
- 7mg Vitamin C
- 56mg calcium
- 3mg iron
Preparing the Rice and Aromatics
Before you start making the oven baked chicken and rice, you need to get the rice and aromatics ready. This step makes sure your dish is full of rich, savory flavors. Your family will definitely ask for more.
Start by finely chopping one medium onion and mincing three cloves of garlic. These are the base of the rice’s flavor, adding depth and complexity. In a big baking dish, mix the chopped onion, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of butter. The olive oil and butter help cook the aromatics, releasing their flavors and smells.
Combining Rice, Liquids, and Seasonings
Then, add 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice, like basmati or jasmine, to the dish. Pour in 1 cup of hot chicken stock or broth and 1 cup of hot water. The hot liquids start the cooking and make sure the rice cooks evenly in the oven. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Mix everything well, so the rice is coated with the liquids and seasonings. This is key for fluffy, flavorful rice that goes great with the tender chicken thighs.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Long-grain rice | 1 cup |
| Hot chicken stock or broth | 1 cup |
| Hot water | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
With the rice and aromatics ready, you’re set to make the oven baked chicken and rice. This mix of ingredients makes a comforting, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Assembling the Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Now that you’ve made the rice mixture and seasoned the chicken, it’s time to put it all together. This step is key for even cooking and the best flavors.
First, spread the rice mixture evenly in a large baking dish. Make sure it’s spread out well for even cooking.
Layering the Rice Mixture and Chicken in a Baking Dish
Then, put the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice. Place them in a single layer, so they’re not crowded. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
When layering, keep these tips in mind:
- Put bigger chicken pieces, like thighs or drumsticks, on the edges. They cook a bit longer.
- Arrange different chicken pieces alternately for a nice look.
- Press the chicken into the rice gently. This helps the flavors mix well.
Ensuring Even Distribution for Optimal Cooking
It’s important to spread the chicken and rice evenly in the dish. This ensures everything cooks well, without any parts being over or undercooked.
| Recipe Yield | 6 servings |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour and 15 minutes |
By carefully putting your oven baked chicken and rice together, you’re setting up for a tasty meal. The even spread of ingredients means every bite is full of flavor and texture.
Baking Instructions for Perfect Results
To get the best results for your oven baked chicken and rice, follow the right steps. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) for even cooking.
Put your chicken and rice in a baking dish and cover it tightly with foil. This is key for the first 30 minutes. It helps the rice cook and soak up flavors.
After 30 minutes, take off the foil and spray the chicken with oil. This makes the chicken skin crispy. Bake for another 30 minutes until the chicken is done and the rice is fluffy.
Oven Temperature and Baking Time
The best oven temperature for chicken and rice is 350°F (180°C). This temperature cooks the chicken well without drying it out. It also makes the rice tender and flavorful.
Covering with Foil for the First Half of Baking
Covering the dish with foil for the first 30 minutes is crucial. It keeps the rice moist and flavorful. The foil traps steam, helping the rice cook evenly.
Uncovering and Broiling for a Crispy Finish
For crispy chicken, remove the foil after 30 minutes and bake for another 30 minutes. Use the broil setting for the last few minutes. This makes the chicken skin golden and crispy. Watch it closely to avoid burning.
By following these steps and keeping an eye on temperature and time, you’ll get a delicious oven baked chicken and rice dish. Your family will love it.
Tips for Customizing Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
This oven baked chicken and rice recipe is super versatile. You can change it up to fit your taste and dietary needs. Here are some tips for tweaking the seasonings and adding veggies to make it tastier and healthier:
Adjusting Seasonings for Flavor Enhancement
The recipe uses a mix of seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs for flavor. But you can try different herbs and spices to make it your own. Here are some ideas:
- Mexican-inspired: Add chili powder, cumin, and lime juice for a zesty flavor.
- Italian-style: Use basil, rosemary, and garlic powder for a Mediterranean taste.
- Ranch-flavored: Mix in ranch seasoning for a creamy, tangy flavor.
When you’re customizing, remember to add seasonings slowly. This helps avoid overpowering the dish.
Adding Vegetables for a Complete Meal
Adding veggies to the rice makes it a complete meal. They add nutrients, color, and texture. Here are some good options:
| Vegetable | Preparation | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Carrots | Diced | 45 minutes |
| Peas | Frozen or fresh | 45 minutes |
| Bell Peppers | Diced | 45 minutes |
| Broccoli | Chopped florets | 30 minutes |
When adding veggies, think about their cooking times. This ensures they’re cooked just right.
Customizing oven baked chicken and rice is a great way to make this family-friendly meal even more delicious and nutritious. With a few simple adjustments, you can create a dish that everyone will love!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Oven baked chicken and rice is a tasty meal that’s great as leftovers. It’s important to store and reheat them right to keep them safe and tasty. With a few easy steps, you can enjoy this meal for days.
When storing leftovers, cool them down fast and put them in a sealed container. The USDA FoodKeeper app says cooked chicken can stay in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for 2 to 6 months. But, the taste and texture might change if you keep it too long.
To reheat your chicken and rice, you can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes until it’s hot. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on 50% power, stirring the rice now and then.
Reheating leftovers wrong can cause food poisoning. About 1 in 6 Americans get food poisoning each year, with 128,000 needing hospital care. To avoid this, make sure leftovers are hot enough, at least 165°F (74°C) for two minutes. Also, don’t reheat leftovers more than once or refreeze them after thawing.
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Store in an airtight container and consume within the recommended time frame. |
| Freezer | 2-6 months | Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in an airtight container or freezer bag. |
By following these easy tips for storing and reheating leftovers, you can enjoy oven baked chicken and rice safely and easily, even days later.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Ideas
There are many ways to serve oven baked chicken and rice. This dish goes well with different side dishes. It helps you make a meal that everyone will enjoy.
Pairing with a Fresh, Crisp Salad
A crisp salad is great with oven baked chicken and rice. Try a Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, and Parmesan cheese. Or, go for a colorful quinoa salad with veggies like bell peppers and cucumbers.
For something different, make a fruit salad. Mix strawberries, grapes, and melon chunks for a refreshing side.
Complementing with Steamed or Roasted Vegetables
Adding steamed or roasted veggies makes your meal better. Try steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon. They add color and nutrition.
For comfort, serve creamed spinach or mashed sweet potatoes. They’re creamy and go well with the chicken and rice. Roasted peppers and onions also add a sweet flavor.
Meal prep is easy with oven baked chicken and rice. It reheats well, perfect for lunches or dinners. Pair it with various sides for a balanced meal that’s both filling and healthy.