Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice dish is the perfect family-friendly meal that combines juicy chicken with fluffy, flavorful rice. It’s easy to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. The unique blend of seasonings ensures a delicious taste, while the one-pot nature of this recipe makes cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With minimal prep time and just one pot, cooking has never been easier.
• Flavorful Dish: The combination of spices enhances the chicken and rice, creating a mouth-watering flavor profile.
• Family-Friendly: This meal caters to all ages, making it ideal for family dinners.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences.
• Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, it’s a nutritious choice for dinner.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Oven Baked Chicken and Rice, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8×12-inch (20x30cm) baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A good-sized baking dish ensures even cooking for both the chicken and rice.
• Mixing bowl: Helps combine ingredients thoroughly for better flavor distribution.
• Whisk: Ideal for mixing seasonings into the olive oil without any lumps.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic granules
• 6 chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g, skinless and bone-in)

For the Rice

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) vegetable or chicken stock, hot
• 1 1/4 cups (315 ml) water, hot
• 1 1/2 cups (280g) long-grain rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine), uncooked
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

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How to Make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (180°C). Preheating is crucial for even cooking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and garlic granules.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl.
3. Mix until they are well coated. If possible, allow them to marinate for 15-30 minutes for extra flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice

In an 8×12-inch (20x30cm) baking dish:
1. Combine diced onion and minced garlic with olive oil and melted butter.
2. Pour in hot vegetable or chicken stock along with hot water.
3. Add uncooked rice, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix everything together until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish.

Step 5: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake Uncovered

Carefully remove the foil:
1. Spray some oil on top of the chicken to help it crisp up.
2. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
3. For crispy edges, broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end if desired.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Take out from oven:
1. Allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
2. Fluff up the rice with a fork; you can remove the chicken if needed before fluffing.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.

Enjoy your delicious Oven Baked Chicken and Rice!

How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Serving your oven baked chicken and rice can elevate the dining experience, making it even more enjoyable for your family and guests. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to consider.

Family Style

• Serve directly from the baking dish for a casual and inviting meal. Everyone can help themselves to chicken and rice.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Top the dish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. This adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the flavors.

With a Side Salad

• Pair the chicken and rice with a light garden salad. A simple mix of greens, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.

Squeeze of Lemon

• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the chicken adds acidity that enhances the overall taste. It balances flavors nicely.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the chicken and rice atop sautéed spinach or kale. This adds nutritional value while providing a beautiful presentation.

With Crusty Bread

• Offer slices of crusty bread on the side. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce or flavorful juices from the dish.

How to Perfect Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Perfecting your oven baked chicken and rice takes just a few adjustments. Follow these tips for an outstanding dish every time.

• Choose quality chicken: Opt for fresh, skinless bone-in thighs for moist meat that cooks perfectly alongside the rice.
• Use hot liquids: Always add hot stock and water when preparing rice to help it cook evenly and absorb flavors well.
• Cover tightly: Ensure your baking dish is covered tightly with foil during the first part of cooking to trap steam, which keeps everything moist.
• Don’t skip resting time: Allowing the dish to rest after baking lets flavors meld together, making each bite more delicious.
• Fluff before serving: Use a fork to fluff the rice gently before serving, ensuring a light texture rather than clumping.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust seasonings according to your preferences or even try new herbs for different flavor profiles.

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Best Side Dishes for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Pairing side dishes with your oven baked chicken and rice can enhance your meal’s flavor profile. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: A simple side that adds color and nutrients without overpowering the main dish.
2. Garlic Bread: A classic choice that brings warmth and comfort, perfect for soaking up rich sauces.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized offer a sweet contrast to savory chicken.
4. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw provides freshness and texture that balances out creamy or rich elements in the meal.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is an excellent pairing; grill or boil it for an easy side.
6. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed lightly helps cleanse the palate between bites of hearty chicken and rice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make some common mistakes when preparing Oven Baked Chicken and Rice. Here are a few tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the seasoning: Many people overlook seasoning the chicken properly. Ensure you use enough salt and spices to enhance the flavor of the chicken and rice.
• Using cold liquids: Always use hot stock and water for cooking the rice. Cold liquids can lead to uneven cooking and mushy rice.
• Not allowing resting time: Failing to let the dish rest after baking can make the rice sticky. Let it sit for about 10 minutes for better texture.
• Overcrowding the baking dish: If you use a dish that’s too small, the chicken may not cook evenly. Use the recommended size or larger to allow proper heat circulation.
• Ignoring cooking times: Keep an eye on both covered and uncovered cooking times. Overcooking can dry out the chicken, while undercooking can leave it raw.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it.

Freezing Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a skillet with a splash of water or stock, stirring often until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice more flavorful?

Adding herbs like rosemary or basil can enhance flavor. You might also experiment with different spices or add vegetables like bell peppers and carrots.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice but remember it requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Adjust your stock and water amounts accordingly.

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they cook evenly alongside the rice without making it greasy.

How long should I bake Oven Baked Chicken and Rice?

Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for another 30 minutes. This ensures juicy chicken with crispy edges.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if it’s cold from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a comforting meal that brings families together around the dinner table. Its simplicity makes it perfect for busy weeknights, while its versatility allows you to customize flavors based on what you have at home. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!