Looking for an easy and delicious dinner idea? Try our Oven Baked Chicken and Rice recipe! With juicy chicken thighs, flavorful rice, and minimal prep, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s all made in one pan for effortless cleanup!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 5 bone-in chicken thigh fillets, skin off
- Oil spray
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
For the Chicken Rub:
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
For the Rice Mixture:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter, cut into pieces
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice (long-grain, jasmine, or basmati)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1 1/4 cups water
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
- In a 9×13” baking dish, scatter the chopped onion and place the butter pieces on top.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the onions start to brown.
3. Make the Chicken Rub
- While the onions are baking, mix together paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning blend.
4. Season the Chicken
- Rub the chicken thighs evenly with the prepared spice mixture.
5. Prepare the Rice Mixture
- Once the onions are lightly browned, remove the dish from the oven.
- Add uncooked rice to the baked onions and mix well.
6. Add Liquid Ingredients
- Pour in chicken stock, minced garlic, and water over the rice mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
7. Arrange the Chicken
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, evenly spaced.
8. Bake Covered
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the flavors.
9. Finish Baking
- Remove the foil, spray the chicken thighs with oil spray, and return the dish to the oven.
- Bake uncovered for 20 more minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender and fluffy.
10. Garnish and Serve
- Once baked, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes! Boneless chicken thighs work well, but you may need to slightly adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
Can I substitute brown rice for white rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Adjust accordingly and monitor the dish while baking.
What can I serve with Oven Baked Chicken and Rice?
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful juices.
Can I add vegetables to the rice mixture?
Absolutely! Try adding diced carrots, bell peppers, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Enjoy your Oven Baked Chicken and Rice—a comforting, flavorful meal made in just one pan!
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