Oven Baked Chicken Rice is a wonderfully simple and flavorful dish that brings comfort and nourishment to any family meal. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with perfectly cooked rice, all infused with a blend of herbs and spices that fill your kitchen with mouth-watering aromas. It’s a hassle-free solution to weeknight dinners, offering a balanced meal in one dish that everyone will happily gather around and enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless cooking: Everything cooks together in one pan, saving time and minimizing cleanup.
Family-friendly flavors: Mild but flavorful seasoning makes it suitable for all ages and taste buds.
Nutritious and balanced: Combines protein and carbs in a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Customizable ingredients: Easy to swap veggies or spices for endless variations.
Great for meal prep: Reheats well and is perfect for making ahead of busy days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Oven Baked Chicken Rice lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each element plays a special role, creating harmony between texture, flavor, and color on your plate.

Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose your favorite cut; thighs offer more juiciness, breasts are leaner.
Long grain rice: Provides a fluffy, separate texture that absorbs the savory juices.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with deep flavor while keeping it moist.
Onion and garlic: Essential for a fragrant base that elevates the entire dish.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps crisp up the chicken skin during baking.
Herbs and spices: A blend of paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and maybe a hint of cumin for warmth.
Vegetables (optional): Peas, carrots, or bell peppers add color and nutrition effortlessly.

Variations for Oven Baked Chicken Rice

One of the best things about Oven Baked Chicken Rice is how easily it adapts to your cravings or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and try these variations!

Spicy kick: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for heat lovers.
Vegetarian swap: Use hearty mushrooms or tofu instead of chicken for a delicious meat-free version.
Different grains: Substitute rice with quinoa or couscous for a unique texture.
Herb swap: Fresh rosemary or oregano can replace thyme for a different flavor profile.
Cheesy twist: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top in the last 10 minutes of baking for melty goodness.

Easy Oven Baked Chicken Rice for Family Meals

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt, pepper, and your preferred spice blend. Drizzle olive oil over them to ensure they crisp up nicely as they bake.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In an oven-safe skillet or deep baking dish, gently sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant and translucent. This step builds the flavor foundation for the rice and chicken.

Step 3: Add Rice and Liquids

Pour the uncooked long grain rice into the pan, stirring to combine with the sautéed aromatics. Then add chicken broth, ensuring the rice is fully submerged. This will absorb all the delicious flavors as it cooks.

Step 4: Arrange the Chicken and Optional Veggies

Place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the rice evenly, and tuck in any veggies you’ve chosen. This arrangement allows the chicken juices to drip down, enriching the rice below.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 35 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes to let the chicken brown beautifully. Check the rice and chicken for doneness before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Oven Baked Chicken Rice

Use bone-in chicken: It stays juicier and adds extra flavor to the dish.
Don’t skip sautéing: It intensifies the onion and garlic flavors in the rice.
Even rice layer: Spread the rice evenly in the pan to ensure consistent cooking.
Rest before serving: Let the dish sit for 5 minutes after baking for flavors to meld.
Adjust liquid ratio: Depending on your oven and dish, you might need slightly more or less broth for perfect rice.

How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Rice

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal note. A drizzle of lemon juice can also cut through the richness and elevate the flavors.

Side Dishes

Complement this hearty meal with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for extra nutrition and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic, family-style vibe, or plate elegant individual portions topped with a spoonful of tangy yogurt or a side of pickled vegetables for added flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Oven Baked Chicken Rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it down before storing to maintain freshness.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, so you’ll need to adjust accordingly.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Oven Baked Chicken Rice stores and reheats beautifully, making it great for preparing lunches or dinners ahead of time.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they tend to be leaner and may dry out faster, so watch the baking time closely.

What vegetables work best in this dish?

Peas, carrots, bell peppers, and green beans are excellent choices, but feel free to add your favorite veggies to customize your meal.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your chicken broth is gluten-free, this recipe naturally fits into a gluten-free diet.

Final Thoughts

Oven Baked Chicken Rice is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug — satisfying, nourishing, and easy to make. Whether you’re new to cooking or just looking for a dependable family meal, this dish checks all the boxes. Give it a try, and you’ll likely find it joining your regular dinner rotation because comfort food doesn’t get simpler or more delicious than this!

Oven Baked Chicken Rice

Print Recipe

Oven Baked Chicken Rice is a comforting and easy-to-make one-pan dish combining tender, juicy chicken with fluffy long grain rice, infused with fragrant herbs and spices. This balanced and flavorful meal is perfect for family dinners, offering nutritious protein and carbs with minimal cleanup and great versatility.

Author: Gloria
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 chicken thighs or breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or substitute with rosemary or oregano)
½ teaspoon cumin (optional)

Rice and Broth

1 ½ cups long grain rice, uncooked
3 cups chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)

Aromatics

1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)

Optional Vegetables

½ cup peas
½ cup diced carrots
½ cup diced bell peppers

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, cumin (if using), and drizzle with olive oil to ensure they crisp up as they bake.
Sauté the Aromatics: In an oven-safe skillet or deep baking dish, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, building the flavor base for the dish.
Add Rice and Liquids: Pour the uncooked long grain rice into the pan and stir to combine evenly with the sautéed onion and garlic. Add the chicken broth, ensuring the rice is fully submerged to absorb the flavors and cook properly.
Arrange the Chicken and Optional Veggies: Place the seasoned chicken pieces evenly on top of the rice. Tuck in any optional vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers around and under the chicken to infuse the dish with extra color and nutrition.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 35 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the chicken to brown beautifully. Check that both rice and chicken are fully cooked before removing from the oven.

Notes

Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier meat and extra flavor.
Do not skip sautéing onions and garlic to intensify flavors.
Spread the rice evenly in the pan to ensure consistent cooking.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld.
Adjust broth quantity slightly according to your oven and baking dish for perfect rice texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: oven baked chicken rice, one-pan chicken and rice, easy family dinner, gluten-free chicken rice, baked chicken thighs, meal prep chicken rice