Description:
Easy Baked Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken with flavorful rice, all cooked together in the oven for minimal cleanup. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as it requires just a few simple ingredients and delivers a delicious, satisfying dinner. The chicken becomes juicy and infused with the flavors of the rice and seasonings, making it a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts: 4 pieces (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
- Long-grain white rice: 1 cup (200 g)
- Chicken broth or water: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Onion (chopped): 1 medium
- Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Paprika: 1 tsp
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Prepare the chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, then add it to the skillet, skin-side down. Sear for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside. - Sauté the aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. - Add rice and broth:
Stir in the rice and mix well with the onion and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and add the dried thyme. Bring to a simmer, then return the chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the rice mixture. - Bake:
Cover the skillet or baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 75°C) and the rice is tender. If using frozen peas or mixed vegetables, stir them in during the last 10 minutes of baking. - Rest and serve:
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
Tips for Success:
- Rice type: You can substitute long-grain rice with jasmine or basmati rice for a different flavor.
- Chicken options: This recipe works well with bone-in chicken pieces, but you can use boneless chicken as well. Just adjust the cooking time.
- Add flavor: Consider adding additional seasonings or herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavor.
Recommendations:
- Side dishes: Pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition (per serving, approx. based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 650 mg