Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Dinner
The smell of baked chicken and rice brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen. She made this comforting one-pan dinner effortlessly. It reminds me of family gatherings, laughter, and the joy of a home-cooked meal. This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice recipe is more than a meal; it’s a tradition that celebrates life’s simple joys.
This dish is loved by many, with its juicy chicken and fluffy rice. It’s perfect for cozy nights or big gatherings. Its amazing taste and simplicity have made it a favorite across the country.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Juicy, seasoned chicken thighs paired with fluffy, garlic-infused rice
- A comforting one-pan dinner that’s perfect for family meals
- Easy to prepare with just 10 minutes of prep time
- A reader favorite due to its simplicity and delicious results
- Ideal for cozy weeknights or special gatherings
Introduction to One-Pan Chicken and Rice Dinners
One-pan chicken and rice dinners are perfect for busy weeknights. They mix tender chicken with fluffy rice in one dish. This method is easy and makes sure the rice absorbs all the chicken’s juices, creating a delicious taste in every bite.
Benefits of One-Pan Cooking
One-pan cooking is a big help for those with little time. It requires less prep and only one dish to clean. This way, you save time and effort, and your food stays full of nutrients.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a hit for several reasons. It uses chicken thighs and white rice to stay moist and tasty. The way it’s layered and seasoned with garlic, onions, and herbs makes the rice incredibly flavorful.
Time and Cost Efficiency
This dish is quick and affordable. It only takes 10 minutes to prepare, making it great for tight schedules. Plus, it uses cheap ingredients to make a filling and tasty meal without breaking the bank.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
To make a tasty oven-baked chicken and rice dish, you need the right ingredients. At the center are bone-in, skin-off chicken thighs. They offer juicy, flavorful meat that goes well with fluffy white rice. A mix of chicken seasoning spices like paprika, thyme, and garlic powder is also key.
The recipe also includes chicken broth, butter, garlic, and onion. These add aromatic flavors and a rich taste. You can also tweak the seasoning to match your taste.
- Bone-in, skin-off chicken thighs (approximately 2 pounds)
- Uncooked white rice (long grain, jasmine, or basmati)
- Chicken broth
- Butter
- Garlic
- Onion
- Seasoning blend (paprika, thyme, garlic powder, etc.)
Choosing and mixing these ingredients carefully will help you make a tasty oven-baked chicken and rice dish. It’s sure to please your taste buds.
“The key to a perfect oven-baked chicken and rice dish lies in the careful selection of high-quality ingredients that work in harmony to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.”
Kitchen Equipment and Preparation Steps
To make the perfect oven-baked chicken and rice dish, you’ll need a few key kitchen essentials. Start by using a 10×15 inch (25×35 cm) baking dish to hold all the ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) for the optimal temperature to bake the dish.
Required Cookware
- 10×15 inch (25×35 cm) baking dish
- Sharp knife for cutting the chicken
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula or spoon for stirring
Temperature and Timing Guidelines
The total cooking time for this oven-baked chicken and rice recipe is about 50 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Plan to bake the dish for the full 50 minutes. This ensures the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Prep Work Essentials
Before you begin cooking, take a few minutes to prepare the ingredients. Remove the skin from the chicken breasts and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out the rice, chicken gumbo soup, and other seasonings precisely. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
The Perfect Chicken Seasoning Blend
Make your oven-baked chicken and rice dinner even better with a homemade seasoning blend. This mix adds the right spices to make both the chicken and rice taste amazing. It turns a simple meal into a delicious one-pan dish.
The key ingredients in our signature seasoning mix include:
- Paprika – Adds a subtle smoky note and vibrant color.
- Dried Thyme – Provides an earthy, herbaceous flavor.
- Garlic Powder – Lends a savory, umami-rich taste.
- Onion Powder – Complements the garlic with a sweet, pungent aroma.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Balances the seasoning blend with the perfect amount of saltiness and heat.
Want to try something different? Use lemon pepper seasoning or Italian herb mix instead. These options add a unique twist to your chicken and rice dish.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Thyme | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
With this versatile chicken seasoning blend, you can enjoy a flavorful and healthy chicken recipe that your whole family will love.
Rice Selection and Preparation Techniques
Choosing the right rice is key for a great oven-baked chicken and rice dish. Long-grain white rice, basmati, or jasmine are top picks. They stay fluffy and hold their shape well.
Best Rice Types for Baking
- Long-grain white rice
- Basmati rice
- Jasmine rice
Steer clear of minute rice, risotto, or paella rice. They have a different texture and cooking time. This can affect the dish’s outcome.
Proper Rice-to-Liquid Ratio
Getting the liquid-to-rice ratio right is vital. For this recipe, use 1.5 cups of hot chicken broth and 1.25 cups of hot water for every 1.5 cups of rice. This mix ensures moist, flavorful rice that pairs well with the chicken.
For brown rice, you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice needs more liquid and longer baking to be fully cooked.
| Rice Type | Rice-to-Liquid Ratio | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Long-grain white rice | 1.5 cups rice : 1.5 cups broth + 1.25 cups water | 45-60 minutes |
| Brown rice | 1.5 cups rice : 2 cups broth + 1.5 cups water | 60-75 minutes |
“For the best results, resist the temptation to use minute rice or other quick-cooking varieties. The longer grains of regular rice will create a more authentic and satisfying texture in this oven-baked dish.”
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making a tasty baked chicken and rice dish is simple. Just follow these easy steps to get baked chicken thighs and rice that’s full of flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large oven-safe pan or casserole dish, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 15 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Once the onion and garlic mixture is ready, stir in 1 cup of uncooked white rice. Make sure the rice is well coated with the butter, onion, and garlic.
- Arrange the baked chicken thighs in a single layer on top of the rice. Season the chicken generously with the prepared seasoning blend.
- Pour in 1.5 cups of hot chicken or vegetable broth around the chicken, making sure the liquid comes up to the level of the rice but does not completely submerge the chicken.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Let the dish stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking.
By following these straightforward cooking process steps, you’ll end up with a perfectly cooked one-pan baked chicken and rice dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
“This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken and fluffy rice makes for a satisfying and nutritious meal with minimal effort.”
Creating the Garlic Butter Rice Base
The foundation of this dish is the garlic butter rice base. It’s made by mixing onion, fresh garlic, olive oil, and melted butter in a baking dish. This step adds rich and aromatic flavors to the dish.
Aromatics and Seasonings
To make the garlic butter rice base, sauté diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil and melted butter. This process caramelizes the onions and releases garlic’s fragrant oils. Season it with spices like:
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
Layering Techniques
Spread the aromatic garlic butter mixture at the bottom of your baking dish. Then, layer uncooked jasmine rice on top. Pour in hot chicken stock and water to cover the rice. Place seasoned chicken thighs on top to add more flavor to the garlic butter rice.
This flavorful base sets the stage for a remarkable Oven Baked Chicken and Rice dish. The rice flavoring from the garlic butter mixture creates a perfect blend of aromas and textures. It’s a meal your family will love and ask for again.
Tips for Achieving Perfectly Juicy Chicken
Getting juicy chicken from the oven is all about the little things. To make sure your baked chicken thighs are moist and tender, just follow these easy steps:
- Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best juiciness. The bone and skin keep the moisture in while it bakes.
- Take off the skin before cooking to avoid greasy rice. You can crisp-fry the skin later as a topping.
- Make sure all chicken pieces are the same thickness. This way, they cook evenly, so you won’t get dry spots.
- Use foil to cover the dish tightly while it bakes. This traps the steam and keeps the juicy chicken moist.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This lets the juices spread out, making the baked chicken even more tender and flavorful.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll get juicy chicken every time you make this tasty one-pan dish.
| Chicken Piece | Oven Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 6-ounce Chicken Breast | 450°F | 13-16 minutes |
| 8-ounce Chicken Breast | 450°F | 16-19 minutes |
| 12-ounce Chicken Breast | 450°F | 22-26 minutes |
Always check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should be 165°F to be perfectly cooked.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
The Oven Baked Chicken and Rice dish is a hit with families. It gets even better with the right side dishes. Try pairing it with fresh salads or savory vegetable medleys for a complete dinner.
Complementary Vegetables
Pair the Oven Baked Chicken and Rice with steamed broccoli, roasted brussels sprouts, or a colorful mix. These sides add sweetness and crunch, making the main dish even better.
Sauce Pairings
A homemade gravy or tangy balsamic reduction can elevate the dish. Drizzle it over the rice and chicken for extra richness.
For a one-pan meal, add frozen veggies to the rice in the last 10-15 minutes. This makes the dish hearty and balanced, with little effort needed.
Choosing the right side dishes is key. They should enhance the flavors and textures of the Oven Baked Chicken and Rice. With so many options, you’ll find the perfect sides for a memorable meal.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your oven-baked chicken and rice. These tips help keep your leftovers fresh and flavorful. They also ensure your food is safe to eat.
To store leftovers, put the chicken and rice in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, stirring often, until hot.
For better texture and taste, reheat in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a dish, add water or broth, and heat for 10-15 minutes. Make sure the chicken is 165°F (74°C) inside.
For meal prep, assemble the dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. This saves time on busy days.
Freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat in the microwave or oven. Freezing might change the rice’s texture and flavor, so eat within a few months for the best taste.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your oven-baked chicken and rice for days. It’s a great meal prep ideas and leftovers option for busy weeknights.
“Proper storage and reheating techniques are key to enjoying delicious leftovers and maximizing the convenience of this oven-baked chicken and rice dish.”
| Reheating Method | Time | Temperature | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven | 10-15 minutes | 350°F (175°C) | Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying |
| Microwave | 2-3 minutes | – | Stir occasionally for even heating |
| Stovetop | 5-7 minutes | Medium heat | Add a small amount of water, broth, or oil to prevent sticking |
Conclusion
This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a delicious and easy option for a comfort food recipes meal. You can make it in under an hour, making it great for family dinner nights.
The recipe is easy to customize, so it fits everyone’s taste. You can use classic flavors or try new ones. This dish will quickly become a favorite in your home.
It has a high rating of 4.95 out of 5 stars from 180 votes. This shows it’s a beloved and reliable choice for family dinner meals. Try this Oven Baked Chicken and Rice recipe for a meal that’s both tasty and easy to make.
