Mmm, who doesn’t love a dish that’s hearty, delicious, and easy to clean up after? This oven-baked chicken and rice recipe is your ticket to a flavorful meal with minimal fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Why This Recipe Works
- One-Pan Magic: Say goodbye to a sink full of dishes. This recipe cooks everything in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Flavor Bomb: The chicken juices seep into the rice as it bakes, creating a dish that’s moist and packed with flavor.
- Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
- Perfect Texture: The rice comes out perfectly fluffy, and the chicken is juicy and tender.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Equipment Needed
- Large oven-safe skillet or baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. This step ensures your chicken is flavorful from the first bite to the last.
Brown the Chicken
Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Browning the chicken first adds depth to the dish’s flavor.
Layer the Ingredients
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the rice, chicken broth, diced onions, carrots, and frozen peas. Stir to combine. This method allows the rice to absorb all the delicious flavors left in the pan.
Bake to Perfection
Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to crisp up the chicken skin. The foil keeps the moisture in, ensuring the rice cooks perfectly.
Rest and Serve
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking. This allows the rice to set and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your one-pan masterpiece.
Tips and Tricks
For an even more flavorful dish, consider marinating the chicken thighs for a few hours before cooking. If you’re short on time, using pre-cut frozen vegetables can save you prep time without sacrificing taste. To ensure the rice doesn’t stick to the pan, give it a quick stir before adding the chicken back in. For those who love a bit of heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix can give the dish a nice kick. Lastly, if you’re using a baking dish instead of a skillet, make sure it’s large enough to hold all the ingredients without overflowing.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the rice mixture before baking.
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the dish during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Mediterranean Flair: Incorporate olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese into the rice mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind they cook faster and may dry out if overcooked. Reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes and consider covering the dish with foil the entire time to retain moisture.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken first?
While not strictly necessary, browning the chicken adds a depth of flavor and texture that’s hard to achieve otherwise. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step, but the dish won’t be as flavorful.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.
Summary
This oven-baked chicken and rice recipe is a simple, flavorful, and fuss-free meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.