Garlic Chicken Rice Bake

This comforting garlic chicken rice bake combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and aromatic garlic into a single, satisfying dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one-pan meal brings together juicy chicken, fragrant garlic-infused rice, and savory broth—all baked to golden perfection. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers hearty, crowd-pleasing comfort with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
2 cups long-grain rice (such as Jasmine or Basmati), rinsed
4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2½ cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Preheat and prep:
Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sauté aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Add rice and broth:
Pour the rinsed rice into the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the garlic-onion mixture. Add the chicken broth, bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
Arrange the chicken:
Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs (or breasts) on top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with an oven-safe lid or tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the cover and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165 °F or 74 °C).
Finish and serve:
Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, then serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 portions
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes total
Total time: Approximately 35 minutes

Variations

Vegetable boost: Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas, carrots, or mixed vegetables before baking.
Cheesy twist: Sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Herb upgrade: Use fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for more aromatic depth.
Stovetop version: Simmer on low heat over the stove, covered, for 18–20 minutes—then remove cover and increase heat for 2–3 minutes to crisp the chicken.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Refrigerate cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to rejuvenate the rice’s moisture.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes. Adjust the bake time if needed; boneless chicken breasts may cook slightly faster than thighs.

2. Do I need to rinse the rice?

Rinsing removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy.

3. Can I add more seasoning?

Absolutely. Try garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for added flavor.

4. Is this gluten-free?

Yes—so long as you use gluten-free chicken broth.

5. My rice turned out dry—what went wrong?

Ensure you used the correct broth-to-rice ratio and covered the dish tightly during baking. For drier rice, add a splash more broth and cover longer.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Use a larger oven-safe pan and increase bake time slightly, especially for additional chicken pieces.

7. Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Assemble everything in the dish, cover, and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time when cooking.

8. What sides pair well with this dish?

A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli complement this bake nicely.

9. Can I use brown rice?

Yes—but increase broth to 3 cups and bake for about 40–45 minutes until rice is tender.

10. How do I get a crispy chicken skin?

For bone-in, skin-on thighs or breasts, finish with 2–3 minutes under the broiler. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Conclusion

This Garlic Chicken Rice Bake is a fast, delicious, and wholesome meal perfect for any night of the week. With juicy, flavorful chicken atop fragrant rice, it’s a satisfying one-dish wonder that’s easy to make, family-approved, and full of comforting taste. Enjoy a warm, aromatic meal with hardly any fuss!

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