Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a comforting, all-in-one meal that brings together tender, juicy chicken and perfectly seasoned rice cooked in the same pan. This dish is a favorite for busy weeknights or lazy weekends because it requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.
The chicken is typically seasoned with herbs, spices, and sometimes a touch of paprika or garlic powder for depth, while the rice absorbs all the savory juices and seasonings as it bakes, resulting in a rich and aromatic base. Vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers can be added for extra color and nutrition.
Why You’ll Love Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a one-pan wonder that’s both comforting and easy to make. With juicy, seasoned chicken baked over a bed of perfectly fluffy, flavorful rice, this dish is a fuss-free meal that requires minimal prep.
It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and ideal for busy weeknights. The chicken juices soak into the rice, making every bite rich, savory, and absolutely delicious!
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Description
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—you arrange everything in a single baking dish, pour in broth, season generously, and let the oven do the work.
The chicken emerges with a crispy, golden skin, while the rice turns fluffy and flavorful underneath. It’s hearty enough to serve on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
This recipe is also incredibly adaptable, making it easy to suit different tastes, spice preferences, and available ingredients. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a timeless, satisfying classic.
This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a set-it-and-forget-it meal where seasoned chicken thighs bake in the oven, infusing the rice with delicious flavors. The rice is perfectly cooked, fluffy, and buttery, making it a complete meal in one dish!
Ingredients
For the Rice:
Instructions
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Preheat & Prepare the Dish:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
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Prepare the Rice:
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Spread uncooked rice evenly in the baking dish.
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Add minced garlic, butter, salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika.
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Pour in chicken broth and mix lightly.
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Season the Chicken:
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Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
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Rub with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
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Assemble & Bake:
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Place chicken on top of the rice, skin-side up.
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Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake for another 25-30 minutes until the chicken skin is crispy and the rice is fully cooked.
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Rest & Serve:
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Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 5
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Sodium 750mg32%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Protein 40g80%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips & Serving Tricks
- Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor
- Chicken thighs or drumsticks work best, as they keep the rice moist.
- Rinse the Rice for a Fluffier Texture
- Rinse long-grain white rice before baking to remove excess starch.
- Make It Extra Creamy
- Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or cheese before serving for a richer texture.
- Spice It Up!
- Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Check the Rice While Baking
- If the rice seems dry, add an extra ½ cup of broth and cover with foil.
Variations :
1. Herb and Lemon Chicken and Rice
Swap paprika and garlic for fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Add lemon slices and zest for a bright, fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and rice.
2. Mexican-Style Chicken and Rice
Use taco seasoning or a mix of cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Replace part of the broth with tomato sauce or salsa, and mix in black beans, corn, and diced jalapeños for a flavorful, colorful twist.
3. Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice
Sauté mushrooms and onions before adding them to the rice. Use cream of mushroom soup mixed with chicken broth for a creamy texture and earthy flavor.
4. Mediterranean Chicken and Rice
Season chicken with oregano, garlic, and olive oil. Add kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese after baking for a fresh, tangy finish.
5. Spicy Cajun Chicken and Rice
Rub chicken with Cajun seasoning, add bell peppers and celery, and use chicken broth infused with a dash of hot sauce. This delivers a smoky, spicy kick that’s full of Southern charm.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist. Alternatively, microwave individual portions with a cover to prevent drying out.
- Meal Prep Tip: You can assemble the entire dish a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature for 20–30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
This storage flexibility makes Oven Baked Chicken and Rice not only a family favorite for dinner but also a great option for batch cooking and easy lunches throughout the week.
Conclution:
In conclusion, Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender, juicy chicken with fluffy, flavorful rice in a simple, one-pan meal.
The ease of preparation and the rich, savory flavors make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend dinners.
As the chicken bakes, it infuses the rice with its savory juices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that requires little effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.
What makes this dish so great is its versatility. You can customize the seasoning to suit your preferences, whether you opt for classic herbs like garlic, thyme, and rosemary, or go bold with a touch of paprika, cumin, or lemon zest.
The rice becomes a delicious side that soaks up all the delicious flavors from the chicken, while the crispy skin adds the perfect contrast in both texture and taste. Plus, the dish comes together in one pan, meaning fewer dishes and less cleanup—always a win.
This recipe is also perfect for meal prep, as the leftovers reheat well and can be used for lunch or dinner the following days. You can add vegetables to the mix, like carrots, peas, or bell peppers, making it a well-rounded, all-in-one meal.
The baking process helps the chicken retain moisture, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful, while the rice takes on the depth of flavor from the seasonings and chicken drippings.
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is more than just a simple dinner—it’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to satisfy.
Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for the week ahead, this hearty, wholesome dish proves that great meals don’t need to be complicated to be delicious. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, it’s sure to be a repeat recipe in your rotation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but increase the broth to 3 cups and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
Can I make this with boneless chicken?
Yes! Boneless chicken works, but reduce baking time to 40-45 minutes to prevent overcooking.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.
