Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Oven-baked chicken and rice is a comforting and satisfying one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious dish:Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
5. Add the rice to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly toasted.
6. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Stir in the dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
7. Place the browned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture in the skillet, skin-side up.
8. Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil or a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender and fluffy. Remove the foil or lid during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the chicken skin to crisp up.
10. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
11. Garnish the oven-baked chicken and rice with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful one-pan meal of oven-baked chicken and rice, perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week!