Oven Baked Chicken and Rice: 7 Hearty Comforts to Relish

Name: Oven Baked Chicken and Rice: 7 Hearty Comforts to Relish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup frozen peas

6 października, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, I can’t wait to share my go-to recipe for oven baked chicken and rice! This dish is not only simple but also so incredibly hearty that it warms the soul. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs nestled atop a bed of flavorful rice, all cooked together in one pan. The best part? The unique blend of spices and aromatics creates a deliciously comforting meal that’s almost effortless to prepare. Seriously, just throw everything in the oven, and let it work its magic while you kick back and relax!

I love how this meal brings everyone to the table, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Plus, it’s super flexible! You can adjust the spices to match your taste, and it’s gluten-free, which is a bonus for many. Trust me, once you try this oven baked chicken and rice, it’ll quickly become a family favorite!

Ingredients List

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s gather everything we need for this delicious oven baked chicken and rice dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 chicken thighs (bone-in for extra flavor)
1 cup long-grain rice (it cooks up fluffy and perfect)
2 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought, whatever you have handy!)
1 onion, chopped (don’t skimp on this; it adds so much flavor)
2 cloves garlic, minced (the more, the merrier, if you love garlic like I do!)
1 teaspoon paprika (for a hint of smokiness)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to your liking)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground if possible)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for that lovely sautéed flavor)
1 cup frozen peas (they add a pop of color and sweetness)

How to Prepare Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Alright, let’s get to the fun part—cooking! This is where the magic happens with our oven baked chicken and rice. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a comforting, delicious meal in no time!

Preheat the Oven

First things first, we need to preheat our oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your chicken and rice start cooking at the right temperature, helping everything to cook evenly. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!

Sauté the Aromatics

Next, let’s get those flavors going! In a large baking dish, heat up your tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. Oh, the smell of garlic and onion sizzling away is just heavenly!

Combine Rice and Broth

Now it’s time to add our rice to the mix! Stir in the long-grain rice and let it toast for a couple of minutes. This helps to develop the flavor even more. Then, pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything. You’ll see the rice soaking up that delicious broth—it’s going to be amazing!

Add Chicken and Bake

Now, let’s add our star of the show! Place the chicken thighs right on top of the rice mixture. You want them nestled in there, soaking up all that flavor. Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes so the chicken can cook through and the rice can absorb all that yummy broth.

Final Touches

After 30 minutes, it’s time for a little peek! Carefully remove the foil and add the frozen peas on top of everything. They’ll add a lovely pop of color and sweetness. Return the dish to the oven (uncovered this time) and bake for another 15 minutes. This helps to give the chicken a nice golden finish! Once it’s done, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. That’s the hardest part—waiting to dig in!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re all set to make this delicious oven baked chicken and rice, here are some handy tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time!

Adjust the Spices: Don’t be afraid to tweak the spices to match your taste. If you love a bit of heat, throw in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. For a more herby flavor, add some dried thyme or oregano!
Check Rice Doneness: Before serving, make sure to check that the rice is fully cooked. It should be tender and have absorbed all the liquid. If it’s still a bit crunchy, just cover it back up and bake for a few more minutes.
Use Bone-In Chicken: For even more flavor, I recommend using bone-in chicken thighs. They stay juicier during cooking and add a richness to the dish that you just can’t beat!
Experiment with Broth: Feel free to use homemade chicken broth if you have it—it makes a world of difference! If you want to add more dimension, you can even use a mix of chicken broth and a splash of white wine.
Keep an Eye on the Oven: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your dish towards the end of the baking time. You want the chicken to be cooked through with a lovely golden skin, but avoid overcooking!
Let It Rest: After it’s done baking, letting the dish rest for those 5 minutes is crucial. This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier, plus it’s a great time to set the table!

With these tips, you’ll be a pro at making oven baked chicken and rice in no time! Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Nutritional Information

Now, I know you’re curious about the nutritional side of this scrumptious oven baked chicken and rice dish! Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per serving:

Calories: 450
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Please keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while this gives you a good idea, it’s not an exact science. Enjoy every bite knowing you’re treating yourself to a hearty, wholesome meal!

FAQ Section

I’m so glad you’re excited to make this oven baked chicken and rice dish! I’ve gathered some common questions I get asked, and I’m here to help clear things up!

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the liquid and baking time accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to increase the broth by about 1/2 cup and bake it for an additional 15-20 minutes. Make sure to check for doneness!

How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth to keep it from drying out!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, but you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What if I don’t have chicken thighs?
No worries! You can use chicken breasts instead, but keep in mind they might dry out a little more. I recommend using bone-in breasts for more moisture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as breasts can cook faster than thighs.

Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is super flexible. You can add bell peppers, carrots, or even broccoli. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly in the same time as the rice.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes! You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Sometimes, I like to add a bit of broth while reheating to help revive that lovely moisture!

Have more questions? Feel free to reach out! I’m here to help you create the most delicious oven baked chicken and rice experience possible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This oven baked chicken and rice comes together in just about an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss.
One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup for you! Just serve straight from the baking dish, and you’re good to go.
Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice creates a meal that feels comforting and indulgent, yet it’s so simple to prepare.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices and add your favorite vegetables, making it a versatile dish that suits your taste and pantry.
Family-Friendly: This meal is sure to please both kids and adults alike! It’s a classic comfort dish that brings everyone to the table.
Gluten-Free: With the right ingredients, this dish is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Leftover Friendly: If you have any leftovers, they store beautifully in the fridge and taste just as good (if not better!) the next day.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got your delicious oven baked chicken and rice ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to create a complete meal that everyone will love! Here are some of my favorite ideas:

Garlic Bread: Who can resist warm, buttery garlic bread? It’s perfect for sopping up any flavorful broth left on your plate!
Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken and rice.
Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite seasonal veggies like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them in the oven until tender. They’ll add a colorful touch to your meal!
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can add crunch and a bit of zing, balancing out the richness of the chicken and rice. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up!
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli is not only nutritious but also adds a lovely pop of green to your plate. Drizzle with a little lemon juice for extra brightness!
Fruit Salad: For a sweet finish, a fresh fruit salad with seasonal fruits like berries, melon, and citrus is a delightful way to round out the meal.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match these suggestions based on what you have on hand or what sounds good to you! The goal is to create a balanced meal that complements the flavorful oven baked chicken and rice. Enjoy your feast!

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O mnie

Cześć, nazywam się Julia, jestem sercem Vihaad Rrzepisy i pasjonatką dobrej kuchni. Moja miłość do gotowania zaczęła się w dzieciństwie, inspirowana pysznymi posiłkami mojej babci. Dziś dzielę się smacznymi przepisami, które łączą ludzi poprzez wspólne delektowanie się jedzeniem.