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Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
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A comforting and hearty one-pan Oven Baked Chicken and Rice recipe featuring juicy, tender chicken and fluffy, flavorful rice baked together with herbs and spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it offers a balanced, nutritious dish with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Rice and Broth

  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Garnish (Optional)

  • Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the chicken and rice in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
  2. Season the Chicken: Pat dry the chicken pieces. Rub them evenly with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano. This seasoning layer locks in flavor and crispness as the chicken bakes.
  3. Assemble Layers: Scatter the uncooked rice evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the chicken broth over the rice, then carefully place the seasoned chicken pieces on top, spacing them out for even baking.
  4. Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam. Bake for 40 minutes, which helps the rice cook through and keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
  5. Uncover and Finish Cooking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the chicken skin to crisp and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid for full flavor.
  6. Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes after baking. Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro on top just before serving for freshness and color.

Notes

  • Use chicken pieces of similar size for even cooking.
  • Stick to long grain white rice for best texture; brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time.
  • Seal the foil tightly to trap steam, which is key for tender rice.
  • Allow resting time after baking to let rice absorb flavors and chicken juices redistribute.
  • Enhance nutrition by adding quick-cooking vegetables towards the end or mixing in cooked veggies after baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: oven baked chicken and rice, one-pan chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, baked chicken thighs, chicken and rice casserole, weeknight meal, healthy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/oven-baked-chicken-and-rice/