Description
Baked Chicken and Rice is a comforting, all-in-one casserole featuring tender chicken baked over perfectly seasoned rice in a savory broth. This easy oven-baked meal is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners with minimal prep and cleanup, delivering delicious flavor with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken and rice evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Mix Rice and Aromatics: Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the baking dish. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the rice, then stir them together to combine well.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour the chicken broth over the rice mixture. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano evenly on top and give a gentle mix to incorporate seasonings without disturbing the rice layer.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or drumsticks on top of the rice mixture. Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly with salt and black pepper for extra flavor.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the chicken skin is golden and crispy, the chicken is fully cooked, and the rice is tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Long-grain white rice works best for even cooking and texture.
- For extra flavor and crispy skin, sear the chicken briefly in a hot pan before placing it on the rice.
- Add vegetables such as peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the rice mixture for a more complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
