Description
Oven Baked Chicken Rice is a flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken and fragrant rice, baked to perfection. Easy to make, great for meal prep, and packed with delicious seasonings.
Ingredients
Scale
- Chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 1/2 cups white or brown rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large oven-safe dish or skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables: Stir in diced carrots and peas, allowing them to cook slightly.
- Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the dish, stirring to coat it in the butter and aromatics for about a minute.
- Pour in the Broth: Add chicken broth and a bay leaf, then give everything a gentle stir.
- Arrange the Chicken: Nestle the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid and bake for about 35-40 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish Cooking: Remove the cover and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to develop a golden crust.
- Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the rice is tender.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Mediterranean Style: Use lemon zest, olives, and feta cheese.
- Asian Inspired: Replace oregano and thyme with ginger and soy sauce.
- Vegetable Packed: Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice and reduce liquid accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: international
Keywords: Oven baked chicken rice, one-pan chicken and rice, easy chicken and rice recipe, baked rice dish, meal prep chicken recipe