Hey guys! Are you looking for a super easy and delicious dinner recipe? Well, look no further! Today, we're diving into a fantastic one-pan meal: oven-baked chicken and rice. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s simple, flavorful, and the best part? Minimal cleanup! Let’s get started!

Why This Recipe Works

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about why this oven-baked chicken and rice is a winner. First off, the convenience is unbeatable. You toss everything into one pan, pop it in the oven, and let it do its thing. No need to babysit multiple pots and pans! The flavors meld together beautifully as the chicken roasts and the rice absorbs all those delicious juices. We’re talking about tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked, flavorful rice every single time.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies, herbs, and spices. Want to add some color and nutrients? Throw in some broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or bell peppers. Feel like spicing things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. The possibilities are endless!

Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover chicken or rice you might have in the fridge. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly, and you’ve got a brand-new meal with minimal effort. Who doesn’t love a recipe that helps reduce food waste and saves you time and money?

Ingredients You'll Need

Okay, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this simple yet satisfying dish:

• Chicken: About 1.5 pounds of chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts – your choice!). Bone-in, skin-on pieces will give you the most flavor, but boneless, skinless chicken works too.
• Rice: 1 cup of long-grain rice. Basmati or jasmine rice also work well.
• Broth: 2 cups of chicken broth (low-sodium is best so you can control the saltiness).
• Onion: 1 medium onion, chopped.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons.
• Spices: Salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and any other herbs or spices you like (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano).
• Optional Veggies: Broccoli florets, sliced carrots, bell peppers, peas, etc.

Make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This will make the whole process smoother and more efficient.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious oven-baked chicken and rice:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken and rice cook evenly.
2. Prep the Chicken: If you’re using bone-in, skin-on chicken, pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get nice and crispy. Season the chicken generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and any other spices you like. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s what gives the chicken its flavor!
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Add the Rice: Stir in the rice and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps toast the rice slightly, which adds a nice nutty flavor to the final dish.
5. Pour in the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – those are packed with flavor!
6. Arrange the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. If you’re using veggies, scatter them around the chicken.
7. Bake: Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
8. Rest: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
9. Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and serve the chicken and rice hot. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, if desired.

And there you have it – a simple and delicious oven-baked chicken and rice that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken and Rice

To ensure your oven-baked chicken and rice turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind:

• Use an Oven-Safe Skillet or Dutch Oven: This recipe is designed to be made in one pan, so make sure you’re using a skillet or Dutch oven that’s safe to use in the oven. Cast iron skillets work great for this recipe.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the chicken pieces are arranged in a single layer in the pan. Overcrowding the pan can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly and the rice from absorbing the broth properly.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. You can always add more salt to taste, but it’s difficult to remove it if you’ve used regular broth.
• Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Cooking times may vary depending on your oven and the size of your chicken pieces. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through, and check the rice for tenderness. If the rice is still too firm, add a little more broth and continue baking.
• Let It Rest: Letting the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving is crucial for tender and flavorful chicken. Don’t skip this step!

Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations to try:

• Mediterranean Chicken and Rice: Add chopped tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese to the rice mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
• Spicy Chicken and Rice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the spice blend for a spicy kick.
• Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: Add lemon slices and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to the chicken for a bright and flavorful dish.
• Mushroom Chicken and Rice: Add sliced mushrooms to the onion and garlic mixture for an earthy and savory flavor.

Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique version of this classic dish. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions

This oven-baked chicken and rice is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a simple side dish to round out the meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing accompaniment to the rich and savory chicken and rice.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious options.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices from the chicken and rice.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a nice crunch and tang to the meal.

No matter what you choose to serve with it, this oven-baked chicken and rice is sure to be a hit with your family and friends!

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

If you’re short on time, you can easily make this dish ahead of time. Simply prepare the chicken and rice mixture as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A super simple, incredibly flavorful, and totally customizable oven-baked chicken and rice recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and let me know what you think! Happy cooking, guys!