There’s something undeniably comforting about the classic combination of chicken and rice, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug on a plate! This easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe has become my go-to for those hectic weeknights when I need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? You just toss everything in one dish and let the oven do the magic! I love how the chicken gets tender and juicy while the rice soaks up all that delicious flavor. It reminds me of family dinners growing up, where we’d gather around the table and share stories. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken thighs, skinless and bone-in
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your chicken and rice cook evenly and perfectly. So don’t skip this part—let that oven warm up while you prepare the rest!
Prepare the Rice Mixture
In a lovely baking dish, combine your long-grain rice, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well mixed. You want the rice to be fully immersed in that flavorful broth, soaking up all those delicious ingredients!
Add Chicken Thighs
Now it’s time to place those beautiful chicken thighs right on top of the rice mixture. I like to nestle them in a bit so they’re surrounded by all that flavor. This helps them cook evenly and keeps the chicken super juicy. Just make sure they’re spread out nicely so they all get that lovely heat!
Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps trap the steam and keeps everything nice and moist. Pop it in the preheated oven and let it bake for 45 minutes. You’ll love the aromas wafting through your kitchen during this time!
Uncover and Finish Baking
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil (watch out for that steam!). Bake for another 15 minutes, and this is where the magic happens—the chicken gets that gorgeous golden brown color you can’t resist. It’s almost time to dig in!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for this easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe, based on a serving size of one plate:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
Keep in mind that these numbers might vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. This dish is not only satisfying but also packed with a nice balance of protein and carbs to keep you going!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and straightforward preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- One-pan cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time washing dishes.
- Flavor-packed chicken and rice that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
- Suitable for meal prep—make a batch in advance and reheat for easy lunches or dinners.
- Family-friendly, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Tips for Success
Want to take your easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe to the next level? Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure you nail it every time!
- Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste. You can even sprinkle in some herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra punch of flavor.
- Add Vegetables: For a more nutritious meal, consider tossing in some veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or peas. Just chop them up and mix them in with the rice before adding the chicken. They’ll add color and flavor!
- Resting Time: Once your dish is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making your chicken even juicier and more flavorful.
- Check for Doneness: Ensure your chicken is cooked through by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy!
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to play around with different spices! A little curry powder or Italian seasoning can transform the whole dish, so have fun with it!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious meal that your family will rave about!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun variations you can try with this easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe! Here are some ideas that I absolutely love:
- Different Proteins: Swap out chicken thighs for other proteins like bone-in chicken breasts or even turkey thighs. You could also try this with a mix of sausage and chicken for a heartier, more flavorful twist!
- Vegetable Medley: Add a colorful mix of vegetables! Consider bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. Just chop them up and toss them in with the rice mixture. The added veggies not only enhance the nutrition but also bring a vibrant splash of color to your dish!
- Spice It Up: Change the flavor profile by experimenting with different spices. A bit of cumin or chili powder can add warmth, while a sprinkle of Italian seasoning can bring a fresh taste. You can even try a little curry powder for an exotic twist!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley can elevate the dish’s flavor. Just chop them up and mix them in with the rice or sprinkle on top before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Broth Variations: Instead of chicken broth, try using vegetable broth for a lighter option or even coconut milk for a creamy, tropical flavor. This can completely change the taste of the rice!
- Citrus Zing: For a bright and zesty twist, add some lemon or lime juice to the rice mixture. The acidity will brighten the dish and add a delightful flavor contrast to the rich chicken.
With these variations, you can keep this recipe fresh and exciting every time you make it! So go ahead, get creative, and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe, and you’ve got some leftovers? No worries! Storing and reheating them is a breeze. First, let the dish cool down to room temperature before you store it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make things soggy. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container; this will keep them fresh and tasty for up to 3 days in the fridge.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in the oven or microwave. If you’re using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and rice in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to keep moisture in, and warm it up for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain that lovely texture and flavor.
If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out, and heat it for about 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
And there you go! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your comforting chicken and rice dish for days to come!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this baked chicken recipe or this grilled chicken recipe. You can also learn about the health benefits of chicken here.
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Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Cozy Nights
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This is an easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe that combines tender chicken with flavorful rice.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, combine rice, chicken broth, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until chicken is golden brown.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables for more flavor.
- Adjust seasoning as per your taste.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe
