Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Category: Inspiring Dinner Ideas

One-pan dinner with seasoned chicken thighs over herb-flavored rice. Takes about 80 minutes total. Serves 5. Perfect weeknight meal with easy cleanup.
Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:07:03 GMT
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Save
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice | kitchenscroll.com

A complete meal in one dish, this Oven Baked Chicken and Rice delivers tender, flavorful chicken atop perfectly cooked rice infused with savory aromatics. The combination of spice-rubbed chicken thighs and garlic-butter rice creates layers of flavor that develop as everything bakes together, while the one-pan preparation keeps cleanup simple.

During my years of developing family meals, this dish became a weekly favorite. The first time I discovered how the chicken juices flavor the rice below, I knew I'd found the perfect weeknight dinner solution.

Essential Ingredients Guide

  • Chicken Thighs: Bone-in provides best flavor
  • Rice: Long-grain varieties cook perfectly
  • Onion: Creates aromatic foundation
  • Butter: Adds richness to rice
  • Chicken Stock: Provides depth of flavor
  • Fresh Herbs: Brighten finished dish

Creating One-Pan Magic

Build The Base:
Brown onions with butter for flavor foundation.
Season With Care:
Coat chicken evenly with spice mixture.
Layer With Purpose:
Arrange components for proper cooking.
Time The Bake:
Monitor carefully for perfect doneness.
Finish With Style:
Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe Save
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe | kitchenscroll.com

My kitchen mentor always said, 'Let the oven do the work.' After countless dinners, this wisdom proves especially true with this dish.

Enhance Your Experience

Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon just before serving.

Creative Variations

Transform this dish by using different herbs, adding vegetables to the rice, or incorporating different spice blends. For special occasions, add mushrooms or bell peppers.

Storage Success

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to refresh the rice.

Through years of perfecting this recipe, I've discovered that success lies in proper layering and timing. When each step is executed with care, the result is a complete meal that brings comfort to any table.

Close-up Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Save
Close-up Oven Baked Chicken and Rice | kitchenscroll.com

Common Questions About Cooking

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, but reduce cooking time by 5-10 minutes since breasts cook faster than thighs. Check they're cooked through.
→ Why is my rice still hard?
Make sure foil is sealed tight and don't peek during first 30 minutes. Different rice types may need more liquid.
→ Can I use brown rice?
Brown rice needs more liquid and longer cooking time. Add 1/2 cup more liquid and cook 15-20 minutes longer.
→ Can I prep this ahead?
Season chicken and mix spices ahead, but combine with rice just before baking for best results.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Keep in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to refresh rice.

One Pan Chicken and Rice

Tender chicken thighs and fluffy rice baked in one pan with herbs and seasonings. A complete meal with minimal cleanup.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
65 minutes
Total Time Required
80 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Dinner Delights

Skill Level Required: Ideal for Beginners

Cuisine Style: American

Recipe Output: 5 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free

What You'll Gather

→ Chicken

Contains 01 items 5 bone-in chicken thigh fillets, skin off
Contains 02 items Oil spray for coating

→ Rice Base

Contains 03 items 1½ cups white rice (long-grain, jasmine, or basmati)
Contains 04 items 1 onion, chopped
Contains 05 items 2 cloves garlic, minced
Contains 06 items 2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
Contains 07 items 1½ cups chicken stock
Contains 08 items 1¼ cups water

→ Chicken Rub

Contains 09 items 1 teaspoon paprika
Contains 10 items 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Contains 11 items 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Contains 12 items 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Contains 13 items 3/4 teaspoon salt
Contains 14 items Black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

Contains 15 items Fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F. Put chopped onion and butter pieces in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake 15 minutes until some onions brown.

Step 02

Mix paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub mixture all over chicken thighs.

Step 03

Add rice to browned onions and mix. Pour in chicken stock, water, and minced garlic.

Step 04

Place seasoned chicken on rice. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.

Step 05

Uncover, spray chicken with oil, and bake 20 more minutes until chicken is done and rice is tender.

Step 06

Top with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Important Tips

  1. Keep covered tightly with foil for first 30 minutes so rice cooks properly
  2. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving

Essential Tools

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Dairy

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is provided as a guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 450
  • Fat Amount: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Protein Amount: 28 g