Oh boy, do I have a treat for you! This easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing and brings everyone to the table with hungry smiles. I remember the first time I made this—my family was amazed at how such simple ingredients could turn into such a comforting meal. It’s packed with flavor, and the best part? It practically cooks itself! Just pop it in the oven and let it do its thing while you kick back and relax. Trust me, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend, this dish will quickly become a staple in your home. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let’s go!
Ingredients for Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish. I promise, these ingredients are easy to find and make for a wonderfully satisfying meal!
- 4 chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs work best for juiciness, but you can use skinless if you prefer. Just make sure they’re evenly sized for even cooking!
- 1 cup long-grain rice: I like using basmati or jasmine rice for extra flavor, but any long-grain variety will do. Rinse it under cold water to remove excess starch!
- 2 cups chicken broth: Homemade is great if you have it, but store-bought works perfectly too. It adds such a rich flavor to the rice!
- 1 onion, chopped: A sweet onion adds a lovely depth to the dish. Dice it up nice and small for even sautéing.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must! It brings so much aroma and flavor. Don’t be shy—add more if you love garlic!
- 1 teaspoon paprika: This gives a subtle warmth and beautiful color to the dish. Smoked paprika can add an extra layer of flavor!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key! I always start with a little and adjust as needed—taste as you go!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This is for browning the chicken and sautéing the veggies. Feel free to use any oil you have on hand!
- 1 cup frozen peas: These add a pop of color and sweetness. Toss them in right before the final bake for that perfect bite!
How to Prepare the Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe
Alright, let’s get cooking! This part is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Here’s how to do it:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect bake!
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Brown them for about 5 minutes on each side until they have that gorgeous golden color. Don’t worry if they aren’t cooked through yet; they’ll finish baking in the oven!
- Once browned, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. It’s time to build those flavors!
- In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re softened and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. You’ll love the aroma wafting through your kitchen!
- Next, stir in the long-grain rice, chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, making sure everything is well combined.
- Now, transfer that beautiful rice mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place the browned chicken thighs right on top of the rice.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully!
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil, sprinkle in the frozen peas, and bake for another 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
And there you have it! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy every bite of this comforting dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze!
- Effortless Prep: With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty meal in the oven while you relax.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of chicken, broth, and spices creates a rich, comforting flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults—everyone will love it!
- Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite veggies for a personal touch.
- Leftover Gold: It tastes just as amazing the next day, making it perfect for meal prep!
Tips for Success
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have the time, marinate the chicken thighs a few hours before cooking. A simple mix of olive oil, garlic, and spices can really elevate the flavor!
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the chicken is crucial! It adds a lovely depth of flavor that infuses into the rice while baking.
- Check Your Rice: Different types of rice may require slight adjustments in cooking time. If using brown rice, increase the liquid and cooking time accordingly to ensure everything cooks perfectly.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving can brighten up the dish and add a burst of flavor. Yum!
- Let it Rest: After baking, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up, I’ve got some fun variations for this easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe that you can try. These tweaks can take the dish from familiar to fabulous!
- Herb-Infused: Swap out the paprika for fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Just chop them up and toss them in with the rice for a fragrant twist that brightens the whole dish!
- Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the rice mixture. It’ll give your meal a delightful zing!
- Different Cut of Chicken: Try using chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since breasts cook faster. You want them juicy and tender!
- Vegetarian Style: For a meatless version, replace the chicken with hearty veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a tasty alternative!
These variations are not just about changing flavors; they can also make meal prep a breeze. So go ahead, experiment, and find your favorite combo!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe is even better the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it so you can enjoy every last bite.
To store your delicious leftovers, let the chicken and rice cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. This helps keep everything fresh and prevents sogginess. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It’ll last in the freezer for about 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is a breeze! For the best results, I recommend using the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the chicken and rice in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it! Just make sure to use a microwave-safe container, cover it, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until it’s nice and hot.
Whichever method you choose, enjoy the comforting flavors of this meal all over again! It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner.
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for one serving of this easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe. Keep in mind that actual values can vary a bit based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this will give you a good idea:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
This dish is not only delicious but also packs a hearty punch of protein to keep you satisfied. Enjoy every flavorful bite knowing you’re fueling your body right!
FAQ Section
Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I love using chicken thighs for their juiciness, you can definitely use chicken breasts or drumsticks. Just keep in mind that different cuts may have slightly different cooking times, so adjust accordingly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, no worries! You can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor, or even water in a pinch. Just remember that broth adds a depth of flavor, so if you can, opt for a broth option!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything up to the baking step. Just cover the assembled dish with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook it, just pop it in the oven and adjust the cooking time as needed since it’ll be starting cold.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. If you don’t have one, make sure the juices run clear when you cut into the thickest part of the chicken.
Can I add more vegetables to this easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe?
Definitely! This dish is super versatile. You can add veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or even broccoli. Just make sure to chop them small so they cook evenly. You can toss them in with the rice mixture for added flavor and nutrition!
Equipment List
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s make sure you have all the essential tools to make this easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large Skillet: A sturdy skillet is key for browning the chicken and sautéing your veggies. A non-stick skillet works wonders here!
- Baking Dish: You’ll need a medium-sized baking dish to hold all the yummy ingredients while they bake together. A 9×13 inch dish is perfect!
- Aluminum Foil: This will help cover your dish while it bakes, locking in moisture and flavors. Don’t skip this step!
- Meat Thermometer: While optional, having a meat thermometer helps ensure your chicken is cooked to the safe temperature of 165°F (75°C). It’s a handy tool to have in the kitchen!
- Cutting Board and Knife: You’ll need these for chopping your onion, garlic, and any other veggies you want to include. A sharp knife makes prep work much easier!
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are important for the best results, so keep these handy for measuring your rice and broth.
With these tools at your side, you’ll be set to whip up this delicious dish without a hitch. Happy cooking!
Z nadrukami
easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe for cozy dinners
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A simple and delicious oven baked chicken and rice recipe.
Składniki
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Brown the chicken thighs on both sides for about 5 minutes.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet, and sauté until softened.
- Add rice, chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Transfer rice mixture to a baking dish.
- Place chicken thighs on top of the rice.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil, add peas, and bake for another 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Uwagi
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken hours before cooking.
- Use brown rice for a healthier option; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 45 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 400
- Cukier: 1g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 4g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 45g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Słowa kluczowe: easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe
