Oven baked chicken and rice is one of those comforting dishes that always brings a smile to my face. There’s something magical about the way the chicken gets tender and juicy while the rice absorbs all that delicious broth and flavor. I remember the first time I made this for my friends; they couldn’t believe how simple yet hearty it was! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser—everyone loves digging into a one-pan wonder! Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again. And the best part? It requires just a few easy-to-find ingredients, making it a staple in my home-cooking repertoire.
Ingredients List
For this delicious oven baked chicken and rice, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in for extra flavor)
- 1 cup long-grain rice (you can use white or brown)
- 2 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought works great)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing and flavor)
- 1 onion, chopped (adds sweetness and depth)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for a lovely color and taste)
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy!)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked is the best)
These ingredients come together so beautifully, and they create a hearty, comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy your family!
How to Prepare Instructions
Making oven baked chicken and rice is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, your dish will be ready to go as soon as you finish prepping.
- In a medium pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, throw in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Next, add the long-grain rice to the pan and stir it around for about 2 minutes. This helps to toast the rice, bringing out extra flavor!
- Now, transfer the rice mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. It’s time for the star of the show—place the seasoned chicken thighs right on top of the rice.
- Pour 2 cups of chicken broth over everything, ensuring the rice is submerged. Sprinkle the paprika, salt, and pepper on top.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes. The aroma will drive you wild!
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This will give your chicken a lovely golden color and crispy skin!
Once it’s done, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the amazing flavors of your home-cooked meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly simple—perfect for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without fuss.
- One-pan wonder! Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
- The chicken turns out tender and juicy, while the rice soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Family-friendly and satisfying; it’s a dish everyone will love!
- Quick to prepare, with just a little hands-on time before it goes into the oven.
- You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or spices.
Trust me, once you make this oven baked chicken and rice, it’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Tips for Success
To really nail this oven baked chicken and rice, here are some of my favorite tips. First, don’t hesitate to experiment with seasonings! A pinch of garlic powder or a dash of cayenne can elevate the flavor. Also, if you love veggies, toss in some frozen peas or carrots before baking; they’ll cook perfectly alongside everything else. For extra juiciness, you might consider marinating the chicken thighs in a bit of lemon juice and olive oil beforehand. And remember, letting the dish rest for a few minutes after baking helps the flavors settle. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers of this delicious oven baked chicken and rice (lucky you!), it’s super easy to store. Simply transfer any uneaten portions to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should last for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps maintain that wonderful texture and flavor. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overheat, or the rice might get a bit dry. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk nutrition! This oven baked chicken and rice dish is not only delicious but also packs a decent nutritional punch. Each serving typically contains around 350 calories, making it a satisfying choice for dinner. You’ll get about 12 grams of fat, which includes 3 grams of saturated fat. It’s a nice source of protein, giving you about 25 grams per serving to keep you feeling full. Plus, there are roughly 40 grams of carbohydrates, along with 1 gram of fiber. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it’s a wholesome meal for sure!
FAQ Section
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will work just fine if you prefer them, though bone-in does add more flavor. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook a bit quicker.
What other veggies can I add?
You can get creative here! I love adding peas, carrots, or even bell peppers. Just toss them in with the rice before baking for a colorful and nutritious twist.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Sure! You can prep everything earlier in the day and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just let it sit out for a bit to come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
What should I serve with oven baked chicken and rice?
This dish is a meal on its own, but if you want to add some sides, a light salad or steamed veggies would complement it perfectly!
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. If you’re unsure, a meat thermometer is a handy tool!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken or Creamy Tomato Basil Soup.
Imprimer
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice: 7 Hearty Ingredients to Relish
- Temps Total: 75 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Oven baked chicken and rice is a simple and hearty dish. It combines tender chicken with flavorful rice for a complete meal.
Ingrédients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add rice and stir for 2 minutes.
- Transfer rice mixture to a baking dish.
- Place chicken thighs on top of the rice.
- Pour chicken broth over the dish.
- Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for more flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- You can add vegetables like peas or carrots.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 60 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: oven baked chicken and rice
