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Oven Baked Chicken Rice

Oven Baked Chicken Rice
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A comforting and wholesome one-pan meal featuring juicy oven-baked chicken thighs or breasts atop flavorful, perfectly cooked long-grain white rice infused with chicken broth, sautéed onion, garlic, and seasonings. This easy, family-friendly dish requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Adaptable with optional veggies and herbs, it offers a cozy, satisfying dinner with maximum taste and minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts (choose your preferred cut)

Rice Base

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Fat & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried or fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley)

Optional Vegetables

  • ½ cup diced bell peppers
  • ½ cup peas
  • ½ cup diced carrots

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Season chicken pieces generously on all sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and your chosen herbs.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing just until fragrant and translucent to enhance their natural sweetness.
  3. Combine Rice and Broth: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic into a baking dish. Add the rinsed rice and optional diced vegetables if using. Pour chicken broth evenly over the rice to fully soak the grains.
  4. Arrange Chicken on Top: Place the seasoned chicken pieces evenly over the rice without submerging them. This ensures the chicken bakes with a crispy skin while its juices flavor the rice.
  5. Bake Until Perfect: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the chicken skin to crisp up beautifully.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest covered for 5 minutes after baking to let the rice finish absorbing the flavors. Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Notes

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for maximum flavor and juiciness.
  • Rinsing rice prevents it from becoming gummy during baking.
  • Ensure foil seals tightly to trap steam and cook rice evenly.
  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes post-baking to improve moisture and flavor absorption.
  • If adding vegetables, mix them into the rice before baking for integrated texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: oven baked chicken rice, one pan meal, chicken and rice bake, family dinner, easy dinner recipe, gluten free, comfort food

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/oven-baked-chicken-rice/