There's nothing quite as comforting as a warm, flavorful dish of oven-baked chicken and rice. The chicken turns tender and juicy while the rice absorbs all the rich, savory juices, creating a meal that's as satisfying as it is simple.

I remember the first time I made this dish – it was a rainy Sunday, and I wanted something cozy that didn't require too much effort. Since then, it's become a go-to recipe in our house, perfect for weeknights or when we’re hosting family and friends. Let me show you why this dish is bound to become one of your favorites too.

Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Get ready to embrace a dish that's a lifesaver for busy cooks everywhere. Oven-baked chicken and rice combines the best of comfort food with ease and versatility. Here’s why you’ll love it:

First, it's incredibly simple to make. With just one baking dish, you can whip up a hearty, wholesome meal with minimal cleanup. No need to juggle multiple pots and pans!

Second, this recipe is a time-saver. Once everything is prepped and in the oven, you can relax while it cooks itself to perfection. It’s perfect for multitasking or spending more time with loved ones.

Not only is it easy, but it's also packed with flavor. The chicken juices blend into the rice, creating a rich, aromatic dish that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.

Finally, this recipe is endlessly versatile. Swap in different seasonings, vegetables, or even types of rice to make it uniquely yours. It’s a fantastic way to use up ingredients you already have on hand.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of oven-baked chicken and rice lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this recipe shine:

Chicken thighs or drumsticks are the stars of this dish. Bone-in, skin-on pieces are ideal because they release natural fats and juices, keeping both the chicken and rice moist and flavorful. You can substitute with boneless, skinless cuts, but the flavor won't be as rich.

Long-grain white rice works beautifully in this recipe. It cooks evenly and absorbs the broth without becoming mushy. Avoid using instant rice, as it won’t hold up to the long cooking time.

Chicken broth is essential for infusing flavor into the rice. Opt for low-sodium broth to have better control over the saltiness of the final dish. If you don’t have broth, water with a bouillon cube works in a pinch.

Onions and garlic add an aromatic depth to the dish. Finely chopped onions and minced garlic cook down in the broth, delivering subtle sweetness and savory goodness.

For seasonings, a mix of paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper provides a well-rounded flavor. You can get creative with your spice blend to suit your taste preferences.

No special equipment is needed, just a large oven-safe baking dish or casserole pan. A 9x13-inch pan works perfectly to ensure even cooking.

How To Make This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Creating this dish is so straightforward, you’ll want to make it on repeat. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your oven-baked chicken and rice comes out perfect every time:

Preheat and prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, rinse and pat dry your chicken pieces, then season them generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Assemble the base: In your baking dish, spread the uncooked rice in an even layer. Scatter finely diced onions and minced garlic over the rice, then pour in the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.
Nestle in the chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. The chicken should rest snugly without fully submerging in the broth.
Cover and bake: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and the chicken to cook through.
Uncover for golden perfection: After 30 minutes, remove the foil. Brush the chicken with a bit of melted butter for extra crispiness, then bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes. This step ensures the chicken skin becomes golden and slightly crispy.
Rest and serve: Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the rice settle and prevents it from being too sticky. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness before serving.

In under an hour, you’ll have a complete meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

Storage Options

This dish is perfect for meal prep or storing leftovers. Here’s how to keep your oven-baked chicken and rice fresh and flavorful:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the rice and chicken are cooled to room temperature before sealing.
Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. For best results, portion the chicken and rice into individual containers before freezing, so you can reheat only what you need.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring the rice to ensure even warming. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 300°F, covered, until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this recipe makes it easy to adapt to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Vegetable-packed: Add chopped carrots, peas, or bell peppers to the rice mixture for a nutrient boost and added color.
Different grains: Swap out the long-grain white rice for brown rice or basmati. Keep in mind that brown rice will require more liquid and a longer cooking time.
Spice it up: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili powder over the chicken for a spicy kick. A touch of turmeric in the rice also adds a vibrant yellow color and subtle earthiness.
Herb-forward: Use fresh rosemary, sage, or parsley to replace dried thyme for a burst of herbal aroma.
Dairy twist: For an extra creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or sprinkle shredded Parmesan over the rice before baking.

Don’t be afraid to experiment – this recipe is a fantastic canvas for creativity in the kitchen!

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this oven-baked chicken and rice will hit the spot every time. Its rich flavors, ease of preparation, and versatility make it a must-try recipe. Give it a go tonight – your taste buds will thank you!