why make this recipe
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a comforting and hearty meal that is simple to prepare. It is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something easy and delicious. This dish combines juicy chicken with fluffy rice, all cooked together for amazing flavors. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup!
how to make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of rice
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe pan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
- Add the rice and stir to coat it in the butter, cooking for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Season the chicken thighs with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice.
- Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
how to serve Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Serve the chicken and rice directly from the pan for a homey feel. You can dish out the rice and place a chicken thigh on each plate. Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top not only makes it look nice but adds a pop of flavor as well. Pair this meal with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to complete your dinner.
how to store Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool down and then store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just remember to thaw it before reheating.
tips to make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
- Make sure to use bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness.
- You can substitute white rice with brown rice, but adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook.
- For added flavor, consider adding some vegetables like peas or carrots to the rice before baking.
- If you prefer a crispy skin on the chicken, you can broil it for a few minutes after baking.
variation
You can easily change up this recipe by using different types of meat, like chicken breast or even pork. You can also add different spices, such as Italian seasoning, or include vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus for a more colorful dish.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them.
What can I serve with Oven Baked Chicken and Rice?
This dish is filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can pre-prepare the rice and chicken, but it’s best to bake them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 cups rice Use white or brown rice
- 4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on Ensure chicken is bone-in for flavor
- 4 cups chicken broth Can use low-sodium
- 4 tablespoons butter For sautéing
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor
- 1 teaspoon paprika For seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning
- as needed Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe pan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
- Add the rice and stir to coat it in the butter, cooking for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Season the chicken thighs with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice.
- Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.