Juicy Tender Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Family Joy

Weeknight dinners demand simple, hearty lamb chops rice casserole that satisfy hunger without complicated steps.

This comforting one-pan meal combines juicy chicken with perfectly seasoned rice in a delightful harmony of flavors.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

The golden-brown chicken rests atop a bed of fluffy rice, creating a balanced and nourishing dish.

Herbs and spices infuse every morsel with warmth and depth.

Home cooks will love how effortlessly this recipe comes together with minimal cleanup.

Dive into a meal that promises comfort and satisfaction in every forkful.

How to Bake Chicken and Rice Until It’s Perfectly Cozy

• Warm Up the Kitchen

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and get ready for a flavor explosion.

• Spice Things Up

Massage those chicken pieces with aal blend of zesty seasonings, coating every inch with mouthwatering flavor.

• Create the Rice Foundation

Spread uncooked rice across a large baking dish, then drench it with a savory liquid mixture that’ll make the rice sing with deliciousness.

• Layer and Bake

Nestle the seasoned chicken right on top of the rice, then cover with foil and slide into the oven for a transformative cooking experience.

• Crisp and Perfect

Uncover the dish and let the chicken turn golden and crispy while the rice soaks up all those incredible juices.

• Rest and Devour

Give the dish a quick breather, then fluff up the rice and serve. Grab a fork and dive into your culinary masterpiece – dinner is served!

Ways to Switch Up the Flavors in This Comfort Classic

• Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure extra crispy skin and better spice adhesion.
• This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking – perfect for busy families planning meals in advance.
• Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the delicious flavor profile of the original recipe.
• Experiment with different dried herbs like rosemary, oregano, or marjoram instead of thyme to create unique flavor variations that complement the chicken and rice.

Serve Oven Baked Chicken and Rice as a Family Favorite

• Sidekick Serving Stars: Crisp garden salad with light vinaigrette dressing adds refreshing contrast.
• Veggie Companions: Roasted broccoli or glazed carrots complement the chicken's savory flavors perfectly.
• Creamy Cool Down: Dollop of herbed sour cream or tzatziki sauce offers tangy moisture to the dish.
• Wine Whisper: Chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the herb-infused chicken.

Save Chicken and Rice for a Quick Heat-and-Eat Meal

• Double the recipe and divide into meal-prep containers for quick weeknight dinners. Store individual portions in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during busy work weeks.
• Keep leftover chicken and rice in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap cooled portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed portions in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and maintain the rice's tender texture. Stir gently halfway through heating to distribute warmth evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice or basmati rice. Just adjust cooking time and liquid amounts accordingly, as different rice types absorb liquid differently.

• Is it necessary to use chicken thighs, or can I use chicken breasts?

Chicken breasts work well, but they might dry out faster. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier during baking. If using breasts, reduce cooking time and monitor closely to prevent overcooking.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking, and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• How can I ensure the rice doesn't become mushy?

Use exact measurements of liquid, avoid stirring during cooking, and make sure your baking dish is tightly covered with foil. The sealed environment helps rice cook evenly without becoming soggy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 485 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

• Paprika: Adds warm, sweet color and mild pepper flavor to enhance chicken's appearance.
• Garlic Powder: Provides deep, concentrated garlic essence without moisture.
• Onion Powder: Creates savory background note with concentrated onion flavor.
• Salt: Intensifies and balances overall dish taste.
• Black Pepper: Introduces gentle heat and aromatic complexity.
• Dried Thyme: Delivers earthy, slightly minty herb undertone.

• Chicken Thighs: Tender, juicy cut with rich flavor and natural moisture.
• Uncooked Rice: Absorbs liquid and creates creamy, comforting base.

• Chicken Broth: Infuses deep, savory base with rich umami character.
• Water: Helps create perfect rice moisture and texture.
• Onion: Adds sweet, caramelized depth and aromatic foundation.
• Garlic: Introduces robust, pungent flavor profile.
• Melted Butter: Contributes silky richness and golden finish.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional Garnish): Brings bright, fresh green note and visual appeal.

Tools That Make Chicken and Rice a One-Pan Win

• Large Baking Dish (9×13-inch): Perfect for layering rice and chicken evenly.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For combining spice mixture and seasoning chicken.
• Another Mixing Bowl: To blend chicken broth, water, and other liquid ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps measure spices accurately.
• Measuring Cups: Essential for precise liquid and rice measurements.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers dish during initial baking to keep moisture.
• Cooking Fork: Useful for fluffing rice after baking.
• Spoon or Spatula: Helps mix ingredients and spread rice.

Tender Oven Baked Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken and rice casserole wraps family-friendly comfort in one hearty dish. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe a dependable weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• ¾ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or mixed herbs)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Blend: Whisk paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl to create a robust spice mixture.
2. Chicken Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with the spice blend, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Rice Foundation: Spread uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish, creating a uniform base for the meal.
4. Liquid Flavor Base: Blend chicken broth, water, diced onion, minced garlic, melted butter, thyme, salt, and pepper to create a deeply aromatic liquid mixture.
5. Moisture Integration: Gently pour the liquid mixture over the rice, guaranteeing comprehensive and consistent distribution throughout the dish.
6. Layer Assembly: Arrange seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the rice, positioning them to promote optimal caramelization and crispy texture.
7. Initial Baking Phase: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 minutes, trapping moisture and developing initial flavors.
8. Final Roasting: Remove foil and continue baking until chicken achieves a golden-brown exterior and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), typically an additional 15-20 minutes.
9. Resting and Finishing: Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and settle, then fluff rice with a fork to create a light, airy texture.
10. Serving Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve alongside complementary side dishes to complete the culinary experience.

Notes

Maximize Flavor Infusion: Marinate chicken thighs in the spice blend for 30 minutes before cooking to allow deeper seasoning penetration and enhanced taste profile.

Prevent Rice Sticking: Rinse uncooked rice thoroughly and consider using a non-stick baking dish or lightly greasing the pan to ensure easy serving and clean release.

Control Moisture Balance: Check rice liquid ratio periodically during cooking, adding slight additional broth if rice appears too dry to maintain perfect tender consistency.

Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts for lower fat content, swap regular rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb option, or use gluten-free broth for celiac-friendly adaptation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg