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.
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!
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!
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
Spread uncooked rice evenly in the baking dish.
Add minced garlic, butter, salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika.
Pour in chicken broth and mix lightly.
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
Rub with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Place chicken on top of the rice, skin-side up.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 25-30 minutes until the chicken skin is crispy and the rice is fully cooked.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Servings 5
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
