Easy Oven Chicken and Rice

This Easy Oven Chicken and Rice recipe is a game changer for busy weeknights. With juicy chicken thighs resting on a bed of buttery, garlicky rice, this one-pan dish simplifies dinner without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for family meals or gatherings, it delivers comfort food that everyone will love. Enjoy the delightful aroma as it bakes and watch as your loved ones eagerly await their plates!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
• Flavorful and Juicy: The chicken thighs stay moist while infusing the rice with rich flavors.
• Versatile Meal: Great for weeknight dinners or special occasions—just adjust the servings!
• Quick Prep Time: With only 10 minutes of prep, you can spend more time enjoying your meal.
• Easy to Customize: Add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious dish, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Oven mitts

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A good quality baking dish ensures even cooking and easy serving.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for preparing your chicken rub and mixing ingredients before baking.

Ingredients

This one-pan Oven Baked Chicken and Rice makes dinner easy with juicy chicken thighs on a bed of buttery, garlicky rice – all baked together in the oven.

For the Chicken

• 5 bone-in chicken thigh fillets, skin removed
• 1 onion, chopped (brown, white or yellow)
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced

For the Rice Base

• 2 tbsp (30g) butter (or olive oil)
• 1 1/2 cups (270g) uncooked white rice
• 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) hot chicken broth/stock
• 1 1/4 cups (315 ml) hot water

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 tsp paprika powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• Black pepper to taste

For Finishing Touches

• Oil spray

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Easy Oven Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that your chicken and rice cook evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare Onions and Garlic

Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic in a baking dish (approximately 10 x 15 inches / 25 x 35 cm). Place the butter in the center of the dish. Bake for about 15 minutes. Check at the 12-minute mark to mix if necessary; you don’t want any bits browning too much.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

While the onions are baking, prepare your Chicken Rub. Mix together paprika powder, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture generously on both sides of each chicken thigh.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Remove the baking dish from the oven once done. Add uncooked white rice over the onions and garlic, then mix everything together well.

Step 5: Add Chicken

Place seasoned chicken thighs directly on top of the rice mixture. Carefully pour hot chicken broth and water around the chicken to keep everything moist during baking.

Step 6: Cover & Bake

Cover your baking dish with foil tightly. Bake for about 30 minutes. After that time has elapsed, carefully remove the foil and spray oil over the chicken for an extra crispy finish if desired. Continue baking for another 20 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.

Step 7: Final Touches

Allow everything to stand for about five minutes after removing from the oven. Take out the chicken thighs gently; fluff up the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme leaves if desired before serving warm! Enjoy your easy oven chicken and rice!

How to Serve Easy Oven Chicken and Rice

Serving Easy Oven Chicken and Rice can be a delightful experience. This dish is not only flavorful but also versatile, allowing you to pair it with various sides or garnishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Parsley or Thyme: Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve lemon wedges on the side for those who enjoy a zesty kick.

Accompany with Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a healthy crunch.
• Roasted Carrots: Roasted carrots bring sweetness and complement the savory chicken.

Add a Sauce

• Creamy Mushroom Sauce: Drizzle a creamy mushroom sauce over the chicken for an extra layer of richness.
• Salsa Verde: A fresh salsa verde can add brightness and acidity to balance the dish.

Serve in Bowls

• Rice Bowl Style: Create individual rice bowls with chicken on top, garnished with avocado slices for creaminess.

How to Perfect Easy Oven Chicken and Rice

Perfecting Easy Oven Chicken and Rice is simple if you follow a few key tips. These suggestions will help ensure that your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Bold Seasoning: Use generous amounts of spices like paprika and thyme to enhance flavor.
• Hot Liquid: Always use hot chicken broth and water when adding to the rice; this helps the rice cook evenly.
• Proper Covering: Ensure the baking dish is well-covered with foil to trap steam, which keeps the chicken moist.
• Resting Time: Let the dish sit after baking; this allows flavors to meld and helps the rice absorb any remaining liquid.
• Check Doneness: Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving for safety.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Oven Chicken and Rice

Pairing side dishes with Easy Oven Chicken and Rice can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement the flavors beautifully.

1. Garlic Bread: A crusty garlic bread works perfectly for soaking up any leftover juices from the chicken.
2. Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and crunch alongside the rich flavors of the dish.
3. Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans with almonds provide a nutty contrast that’s both tasty and nutritious.
4. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad offers a refreshing bite that balances the hearty chicken and rice.
5. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds texture and tanginess, making it an excellent companion.
6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob brings a seasonal flair that pairs well with baked chicken dishes.
7. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can serve as an alternative starch, providing comfort food vibes.
8. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains or vegetables can add variety and nutrition to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Oven Chicken and Rice, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect your dish’s outcome.

• Skipping the preheating step: Always preheat your oven. This ensures that the cooking process begins properly, allowing for even cooking of both chicken and rice.
• Using cold broth or water: Make sure to use hot chicken broth and water. Cold liquids can lower the oven temperature, resulting in uneven cooking.
• Not seasoning enough: Seasoning is key for flavor. Be generous with spices on your chicken, as well as in the rice, for maximum flavor impact.
• Overcrowding the baking dish: Don’t overcrowd the dish with too much rice or chicken. Ensure there’s enough space for even heat distribution.
• Neglecting to fluff rice after cooking: Fluffing the rice after it’s cooked helps separate the grains for a better texture. Skipping this step can lead to clumpy rice.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Easy Oven Chicken and Rice

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze within a day of cooking.
• Consume within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Easy Oven Chicken and Rice

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F. Cover the dish with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container and cover loosely. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth to a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Easy Oven Chicken and Rice a one-pan dinner?

This recipe combines all ingredients into one baking dish, simplifying cleanup while delivering delicious flavors from baked chicken thighs and seasoned rice.

How long does it take to prepare Easy Oven Chicken and Rice?

The total time is about 80 minutes, including 10 minutes of prep and 70 minutes of cooking.

Can I customize the spices in Easy Oven Chicken and Rice?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to suit your taste preferences.

What type of chicken works best in this recipe?

Bone-in chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor, but you can also use boneless thighs or breasts if preferred.

Final Thoughts

Easy Oven Chicken and Rice is not only simple to prepare but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. You can customize it with different vegetables or spices, making it a perfect option for family dinners or meal prep. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!