When you’re pressed for time but still crave a hearty, comforting meal, oven baked chicken and rice comes to the rescue. This dish offers a one-dish solution that marries tender chicken with flavorful rice and vegetables, making it a standout among chicken recipes for dinner. By baking everything together, you achieve a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will quickly become a family favorite.
The Appeal of Oven Baked Meals
There’s a special kind of magic in letting your oven do the heavy lifting. Baking not only locks in moisture but also melds the flavors of chicken, rice, and vegetables in a way that stovetop cooking sometimes can’t match. This method is perfect for those busy evenings when you need a meal that’s both nourishing and simple to prepare.
Gathering Your Ingredients
For this recipe, start by assembling a handful of fresh ingredients. You’ll need one pound of your choice of chicken—breasts for a leaner option or thighs for a richer flavor. Combine this with one cup of rinsed uncooked rice, two cups of chicken broth for extra depth, and a medley of vegetables. The table below outlines what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts/Thighs | 1 lb | Boneless or bone-in as preferred |
| Rice (White/Brown) | 1 cup uncooked | Rinsed |
| Chicken Broth | 2 cups | For extra flavor |
| Onion | 1 medium | Diced |
| Garlic Cloves | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing |
| Mixed Vegetables | 1 cup | Optional (carrots, peas, etc.) |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste | |
| Fresh Herbs (optional) | A handful | Chopped (parsley or thyme) |
Begin by sautéing diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil until they turn translucent and fragrant. This will serve as the flavor base for your dish. In a baking dish, combine the sautéed aromatics with the rinsed rice, chicken broth, and your choice of mixed vegetables.
Layering and Baking
Next, season your chicken generously with salt, pepper, and any extra spices you love—paprika or even a pinch of saffron can add a unique twist. Nestle the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 35 to 40 minutes. In the final 10 minutes, remove the foil to allow the chicken to develop a gentle, appetizing browning on the surface.
The Perfect Finish
Once your dish is baked to perfection, you’ll notice how the rice has absorbed all the flavors from the broth and vegetables, creating a rich and savory base. The chicken, tender and juicy, rests atop this bed of flavorful rice. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs to add a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to adjust the recipe to your taste:
- Herb Infusions: Add extra thyme or rosemary during baking for a fragrant twist.
- Vegetable Variations: Try bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach to diversify the texture.
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, incorporate red pepper flakes into the marinade.
These variations help you adapt the dish to your dietary needs while maintaining its identity as one of the best chicken recipes for dinner.
Health and Wholesomeness
This oven baked chicken and rice recipe delivers a balanced meal that includes lean protein, healthy carbohydrates, and a mix of vitamins from the vegetables. It’s an ideal choice when you’re looking for a nutritious yet satisfying dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Serving Ideas
To elevate your meal:
- Salad Side: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette.
- Extra Crunch: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.
- Beverage: A chilled glass of citrus-infused water or a light white wine complements this dish beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute brown rice for white rice?
A: Yes, brown rice works well—just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid quantity accordingly.
Q: How do I keep the chicken moist?
A: Covering the dish during baking and letting the chicken rest before serving are key steps to lock in moisture.
Q: Which vegetables pair best with this dish?
A: A variety of vegetables can be used—carrots, peas, zucchini, or even bell peppers work wonderfully.
Oven baked chicken and rice is more than just a convenient meal; it’s a comforting, one-dish wonder that stands out among chicken recipes for dinner. Its simplicity, combined with the robust flavors of well-seasoned chicken and perfectly cooked rice, makes it a dish you’ll return to time and again. Now it’s your turn to try this recipe—gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a warm, hearty dinner that feels like a comforting hug at the end of a busy day. Enjoy every bite, and share your delightful results with friends and family. Happy baking!
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Oven Baked Chicken and Rice: An Effortless Chicken Recipes for Dinner
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
This one-pan wonder brings together juicy, oven-baked chicken and perfectly cooked rice in a savory, aromatic broth. With minimal prep and a burst of herbs and spices, this effortless chicken and rice dish makes for a satisfying, hearty dinner that's both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 4 pieces Bone‑in skin‑on chicken thighs (About 6–8 oz each; you can use chicken breasts for a leaner option)
- 1 1/2 cups Long-grain white rice ( Rinsed)
- 3 cups Chicken broth (Low-sodium preferred)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Carrots diced ( Alternatively, use a mixed vegetable medley)
- 1 cup Frozen peas (Thawed slightly or added during the last 10 minutes of baking)
- 1 tsp Dried thyme (Or substitute with Italian seasoning)
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
To taste: Ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive oil (For drizzling over chicken)
- 1 Lemon (optional Juice of 1 lemon for brightness (about 2–3 tbsp))
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet with olive oil.
Assemble the Base:
- Spread the uncooked, rinsed rice evenly in the baking dish.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced carrots over the rice.
- Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- If using, drizzle the lemon juice over the mixture.
Arrange the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, skin side up.
- Drizzle the chicken with a little olive oil and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil (optional, to help trap moisture) and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, gently stir in the frozen peas (if not already mixed in), and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the rice is tender.
- If the rice needs a little extra liquid, you can add a splash of broth or water during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Finish and Serve:
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken with a bit of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 20–30 minutes before baking.
- Feel free to substitute the white rice with brown rice for a heartier, whole-grain option (adjust broth and cooking time accordingly).
- This one-dish meal pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Enjoy your Oven Baked Chicken and Rice—a hassle-free, delicious dinner that brings comfort and nutritious goodness to your table in just one hour!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
