There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, home-cooked meal that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is exactly that dish—juicy, tender chicken nestled in a bed of fluffy, perfectly seasoned rice, all baked together in one pan. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big, warm hug after a long day.
Did you know that baked chicken and rice has been a staple in many cultures for centuries? From the Spanish Arroz con Pollo to Middle Eastern Maqluba, this combination of rice and protein is universally loved. The best part? Our version requires minimal effort—just mix, bake, and let the oven do all the work.
What makes Oven Baked Chicken and Rice special is its simplicity and foolproof nature. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, you’ll love how easy it is to prepare. It’s also a fantastic way to use pantry staples, making it budget-friendly and practical.
If you’ve enjoyed Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice recipe, you’re going to love this Oven Baked Chicken and Rice too! It’s just as flavorful but even easier to make. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s make this family favorite together.
What is Oven Baked Chicken and Rice?
Let’s get straight to it—this dish is exactly what it sounds like: chicken and rice baked to perfection in the oven. But don’t let its simplicity fool you; this meal is packed with rich, savory flavors.
Have you ever wondered why some recipes have such straightforward names? This one gets straight to the point—no mystery, no frills. It’s just pure, delicious comfort food. And you know what they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach—but honestly, this dish will win over anyone, not just the men in your life!
So, if you’re looking for a dish that’s both effortless and impressive, Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is calling your name. Give it a try, and watch your family come running to the dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
- One-Pan Wonder: No need for multiple pots and pans—everything bakes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze!
- Budget-Friendly: Chicken and rice are both affordable ingredients, making this a cost-effective meal for families.
- Packed with Flavor: A combination of garlic, onion, and savory seasonings infuse every bite with deliciousness.
If you love the flavors in our One-Pot Garlic Herb Chicken and Rice, you’ll appreciate how this dish offers the same cozy vibes with even less effort. Try it tonight and discover why it’s a favorite!
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Quick Overview
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is perfect for busy weeknights. With only 10 minutes of prep time and the rest of the magic happening in the oven, you can relax while dinner practically cooks itself. The chicken turns golden brown, the rice soaks up all the delicious flavors, and the result is pure comfort food.
Key Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
- Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks – Skin-on, bone-in for the juiciest results.
- Long Grain White Rice – Basmati or Jasmine works best for fluffy texture.
- Chicken Broth – Enhances the flavor and keeps the rice moist.
- Garlic & Onion – Adds depth and richness.
- Butter – For that extra bit of indulgence.
- Paprika, Thyme, Salt, and Pepper – A simple yet effective seasoning mix.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Mixture
- In the baking dish, combine rice, chicken broth, minced garlic, chopped onions, butter, and seasonings.
- Stir to distribute flavors evenly.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Arrange the chicken on top of the rice mixture, skin-side up.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the rice is tender.
Step 5: Rest & Serve
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
And just like that—you’ve got a perfect, oven-baked meal ready to enjoy!
What to Serve With Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Wondering what to pair with this hearty dish? Here are a few delicious options:
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Broccoli, carrots, or green beans add a nice contrast.
- Fresh Salad – A crisp cucumber and tomato salad balances out the rich flavors.
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls – Because extra carbs are always a good idea!
- Refreshing Drink – A glass of lemonade or iced tea makes the meal complete.
Looking for more side dish ideas? Check out our Easy Roasted Vegetables Recipe to create a full, well-rounded meal!
Final Thoughts
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is the ultimate fuss-free meal that’s flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week. With minimal prep, budget-friendly ingredients, and a taste that’s sure to impress, this dish is a must-try.
If you’re a fan of hearty, comforting meals, you might also love our Grilled Chicken Margherita—a fresh and flavorful dish featuring juicy grilled chicken topped with melted mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Both recipes are packed with delicious flavors and make for an easy yet impressive dinner.
So, what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven and give this Oven Baked Chicken and Rice a go! If you make it, let us know in the comments how it turned out—we love hearing from you!
Happy cooking!
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Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Description
Make this Oven Baked Chicken and Rice for a quick, and delicious one-pan meal! flavorful chicken bakes with seasoned rice—no stovetop required.
Ingredients
For the Rice:
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (Basmati or Jasmine)
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
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Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Prepare the Rice – In the baking dish, mix rice, chicken broth, chopped onion, garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Spread the mixture evenly.
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Season the Chicken – Pat the chicken dry. In a small bowl, mix paprika, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the chicken with olive oil and coat it evenly with the seasoning mix.
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Assemble – Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces skin-side up on top of the rice mixture.
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Bake Covered – Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
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Bake Uncovered – Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the rice is fully cooked.
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Rest & Serve – Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
Notes
- Rice Selection: Use long-grain rice for the best texture. Avoid instant rice.
- Chicken Alternatives: You can use boneless, skinless chicken, but reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes.
- Extra Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon of cumin or smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, One-Pan Meals
- Method: Baking, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food, International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approximately 1/6 of the dish)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Oven Baked Chicken and Rice, baked chicken and rice, easy chicken and rice recipe, one-pan chicken and rice, chicken and rice casserole, family dinner recipe, budget-friendly meals, comforting chicken dish