Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Hey there! Ever have one of those nights where you just don’t feel like cooking a big meal? I’ve got the perfect fix—this Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is super easy, and oh my gosh, it’s so tasty!

What I love about this recipe is how the chicken bakes right on top of the rice. It soaks up all the yummy flavors and stays juicy and tender. And the best part? Hardly any cleanup. I mean, who doesn’t love that?

Imagine pulling a hot, golden-brown dish out of the oven, with juicy chicken and fluffy, flavorful rice ready to serve. This recipe gives you that home-cooked comfort in every bite. It’s hearty, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite.

So, ready to make dinner super easy and delicious? Let me show you how to whip up this Oven Baked Chicken and Rice—you’re gonna love how simple it is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ One Pan Meal: Everything bakes together, making cleanup a breeze.
✅ Incredibly Flavorful: The chicken juices infuse into the rice, creating the best-tasting grains.
✅ No Mushy Rice: The rice cooks perfectly fluffy every time!
✅ Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.
✅ Customizable: Use different spices or add veggies for variety.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings

• Serves: 4-5 people

Difficulty

• Easy—Minimal hands-on time with simple techniques.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large oven-safe baking dish or casserole
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil
• Sharp knife

Key Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds (900g) chicken thighs (bone-in, skinless)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic granules

For the Rice:

• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups (280g) long-grain rice, uncooked
• 2 ½ cups (375 ml) chicken or vegetable stock (hot)
• 1 ¼ cups (315 ml) hot water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

How to Prepare the Chicken

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven to 350°F (175°C).

2️⃣ Season the Chicken:

• In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, oregano, and garlic granules.
• Coat the chicken thighs evenly in the seasoning.

3️⃣ Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended):

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
• Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
• Remove and set aside.

How to Prepare the Rice Base

1️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics:

• In the same pan (with all those tasty chicken bits), add 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat.
• Toss in the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

2️⃣ Prepare the Baking Dish:

• Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic into your oven-safe baking dish.
• Pour in the melted butter for extra richness.

3️⃣ Add the Rice & Liquid:

• Add the uncooked long-grain rice to the baking dish, mixing it well with the onions and garlic.
• Pour in the hot chicken or vegetable stock and hot water.
• Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
• Stir everything together to ensure even seasoning.

4️⃣ Layer the Chicken on Top:

• Gently place the seasoned (or seared) chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture.
• The chicken juices will drip into the rice while baking, infusing it with flavor!

5️⃣ Cover and Get Ready to Bake:

• Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture for perfectly cooked rice.

Baking the Chicken and Rice

1️⃣ Bake Covered:

• Place the foil-covered baking dish into your preheated oven (350°F/175°C).
• Bake for 40 minutes to let the rice cook and absorb all those delicious flavors.

2️⃣ Uncover and Finish Baking:

• After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil.
• Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes.
• This step helps the chicken skin get slightly crispy while the rice finishes cooking.

3️⃣ Check for Doneness:

• The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
• The rice should be tender and fluffy—if it’s still a little firm, cover and bake for an extra 5 minutes.

4️⃣ Rest Before Serving:

• Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes out of the oven.
• This allows the rice to firm up and the flavors to settle beautifully.

Serving, Storage, and Meal Prep Tips

How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

This dish is a full meal on its own, but you can take it to the next level with these serving ideas:

✅ Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch.
✅ Add a Side: Serve with steamed veggies, roasted broccoli, or a fresh side salad.
✅ Citrus Boost: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice right before serving enhances the flavors.
✅ Yogurt Sauce: Pair it with Greek yogurt or tzatziki for a creamy contrast.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.

Freezing:

• Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Meal Prep:

• Make Ahead: Season the chicken and sauté the onions in advance for easy prep.
• Reheat Tip: If meal prepping, store chicken and rice separately to avoid mushy rice.

Recipe Variations🔄 Swap the Protein:

• Use boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts—just reduce the cooking time slightly.
• Try turkey thighs or even pork chops for a fun twist!

🥦 Add Veggies:

• Toss in peas, carrots, or bell peppers when adding the rice for a one-dish meal.
• Stir in spinach or kale after baking for added greens.

🌶️ Spice It Up:

• Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning for a spicy kick.
• Mix in curry powder or cumin for an international flavor twist.

🍋 Brighten It Up:

• Squeeze in lemon juice or add some lemon zest to the rice before baking.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Hot Liquid: Always add hot stock and water to ensure the rice cooks evenly.
• Cover Tightly: Foil traps steam, helping the rice cook perfectly—don’t skip this step!
• Check the Rice: If your rice isn’t fully cooked after baking, add a splash of water, cover, and bake for an extra 5-10 minutes.
• Resting Time Matters: Let the dish rest before serving to help the rice absorb any remaining liquid.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	480 kcal
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fat	20g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	750mg

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice FAQs

Can I use brown rice?
Yes! But you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and add extra liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.

What if my rice is undercooked?
Just add a bit of hot water, cover with foil, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and rice in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is comfort food at its finest—simple, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this dish will become a family favorite. Try it out, and let me know how it turns out!