Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe

This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is the ultimate definition of comfort food: succulent, golden-skinned chicken thighs snuggled into fragrant, fluffy rice, all baked together in a single dish. It’s a recipe I come back to again and again because it’s so wonderfully easy, with layers of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or need a satisfying weeknight meal, Oven Baked Chicken and Rice has you covered with minimal fuss and maximum reward.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of what makes Oven Baked Chicken and Rice irresistible is its straightforward ingredient list—each one plays a vital role in creating that cozy, homestyle taste and enticing aroma. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love them:

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs ensure tender meat and delightfully crisp, golden skin after baking.
• Long-Grain White Rice: Fluffy and separate when baked, this rice soaks up all those savory juices for a flavor-packed base.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice with depth and richness that water simply can’t match.
• Onion: Softened onion brings sweetness and a savory backbone to the dish.
• Garlic: A trio of garlic cloves adds that unmistakable aromatic punch.
• Carrot: Diced carrot not only brightens things up but brings a subtle sweetness.
• Frozen Peas: A pop of green and a gentle burst of flavor right at the end.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing, bringing everything together, and giving the onions and garlic a silky-soft start.
• Dried Thyme: Offering a lightly herbal, earthy note that melds beautifully with both chicken and rice.
• Paprika: Adds color and a gentle smokiness without overpowering the dish.
• Salt & Black Pepper: To bring out all the natural flavors—don’t be shy!
• Fresh Parsley: A vibrant garnish that freshens up each plate.
• Lemon Wedges (Optional): Squeezing lemon over the finished dish adds a bright, zesty finish if you love a citrusy touch.

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll want it nice and hot so the magic can happen once everything is in the pan. Pick a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish that’s roomy enough to hold the rice, veggies, and chicken thighs in a single, cozy layer—this maximizes that bake-all-together flavor. Gather your ingredients so everything is within arm’s reach.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Place your skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, and let it shimmer. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté just until softened and fragrant—about 2 to 3 minutes. This small step has a big impact: it tames the bite of raw onion and transforms the garlic, setting up a deep base flavor that will fill your kitchen with anticipation.

Step 3: Add Carrot and Toast the Rice

Stir the diced carrot into the skillet and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes. Then pour in the long-grain white rice and stir everything together. Let the rice toast lightly for another 1 to 2 minutes; you’ll notice the grains turn a hint more opaque—this trick adds subtle nuttiness and ensures your rice stands out, never mushy.

Step 4: Combine Broth and Veggies

Pour in your chicken broth and give everything a gentle stir, making sure the rice, carrots, onions, and garlic are evenly distributed. Sprinkle in the frozen peas right at this point so they stay vibrant and green during baking. You’re building flavor at every layer, and the broth will soon bubble up, cradling all those tasty bites.

Step 5: Season and Arrange the Chicken

It’s time for the star! Pat the chicken thighs dry, then season them all over with dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Lay them skin-side up on top of the rice mixture—don’t press them in too much, you want the skins exposed so they turn irresistible in the oven. The best part? The chicken will release those juices straight into the rice, making every spoonful a savory delight.

Step 6: Bake Covered Then Uncovered

Cover the skillet or dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. This gives the rice a chance to steam and absorb all those flavorful juices. After 35 minutes, remove the foil and crank up the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake uncovered for another 15 minutes. This last blast ensures the chicken skin becomes crisp and golden while the rice underneath stays fluffy and full of flavor. The aroma at this point is almost impossible to resist!

Step 7: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Once your Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle and keeps every bite juicy. Sprinkle with a shower of fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for anyone who loves a hint of citrus. Dig in—comfort food bliss awaits!

How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

This dish truly shines with a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley, which adds color and a touch of freshness. For those who crave brightness, serve a few lemon wedges alongside so each guest can add a squeeze of zesty tang—it lifts the flavors and adds a delightful twist to each bite.

Side Dishes

While Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is hearty enough to stand alone, it loves the company of simple sides. Try a crisp green salad to provide contrast or roasted seasonal vegetables to add color and extra nutrition. A dollop of creamy tzatziki or tangy yogurt makes each forkful even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style dining, bring the skillet straight to the table (on a heat-safe trivet, of course) and let everyone help themselves—it’s as heartwarming to share as it is to eat. If you’re feeling fancy, scoop the rice onto individual plates and nestle a chicken thigh on top, each finished with a flourish of parsley and a lemon wedge. For gatherings, consider styling the chicken and rice in a rustic shallow bowl, so the beautiful golden chicken truly stands out.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extra Oven Baked Chicken and Rice, let everything cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making reheated servings just as comforting as the original meal.

Freezing

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice freezes wonderfully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. When cravings hit, you’ve got a ready-made dinner just waiting to be enjoyed again!

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the rice needs loosening. For crispier chicken skin, use the oven: cover loosely with foil and heat at 350°F until hot, then uncover for a few extra minutes to restore the skin’s crunch.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook a bit faster, so check them for doneness about 10 minutes earlier. However, bone-in, skin-on thighs add extra moisture and flavor to both the chicken and the rice, so use them if you can.

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe because it bakes up fluffy and separate. Short-grain or arborio may become sticky or creamy, and brown rice requires a longer bake and more liquid, so adjust if you experiment.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to stir in small-cut veggies such as bell peppers, spinach, or green beans with the rice and broth. Just remember that heartier vegetables will need to be diced small to become tender in the oven.

How do I keep the chicken skin crispy?

The secret is uncovering the dish and raising the oven temperature for the last 15 minutes. Be sure the chicken skin stays uncovered and isn’t nestled too deeply in the liquid to ensure that golden, crispy finish.

Is Oven Baked Chicken and Rice gluten-free?

Yes, as written, Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is naturally gluten-free—just double check that your chicken broth is certified gluten-free, as some brands may include wheat ingredients.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that brings all the warmth of a home-cooked meal with barely any stress, Oven Baked Chicken and Rice will become your new go-to. Gather your favorite people, pop this in the oven, and enjoy the magic of simple ingredients coming together for a meal everyone will remember. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!