Here’s a comforting and easy recipe for Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice that combines tender chicken with fluffy, flavorful rice, all cooked together in one pan:
Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (you can use drumsticks or breasts as well)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth (or low-sodium chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, then season them generously with the spice mixture on all sides.
3. Prepare the Rice:
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, add the uncooked rice, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Stir to combine.
- Pour the chicken broth, water, and melted butter over the rice mixture. Add salt, black pepper, and dried parsley (if using) and stir to combine.
4. Arrange the Chicken:
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, skin side up. Make sure the chicken is nestled into the rice, but the skin should be exposed to ensure it crisps up during baking.
5. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the rice is tender.
6. Broil for Extra Crispy Skin (Optional):
- If you prefer extra crispy skin on the chicken, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
7. Serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve the chicken with the rice on the side.
Tips:
- Rice Variations: You can use brown rice, basmati rice, or jasmine rice instead of white rice. Adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
- Vegetables: Add vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to the rice mixture for a more complete meal.
- Spices: Customize the seasoning to your taste. Smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning would add a different flavor profile.
This Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice is a satisfying, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner!
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