Print

Oven Baked Chicken Rice

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/oven-baked-chicken-rice/