There’s something magical about the aroma of Oven Baked Chicken and Rice filling your kitchen—it’s warm, comforting, and downright irresistible. This one-pan wonder pairs tender, juicy chicken with fluffy, flavorful rice for a meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is satisfying.

I first discovered this recipe when I needed a simple dinner that didn’t require much hands-on time. After a long day, there’s nothing better than letting the oven do the work while you sit back and relax. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a staple in your home too!
Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Get ready to meet your new go-to dinner recipe. This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is everything you could want in a meal: hearty, easy to make, and packed with flavor.
First off, it’s a true one-pan meal, which means minimal cleanup. Who doesn’t love the idea of spending less time at the sink and more time enjoying dinner with loved ones?
The flavor combination is unbeatable. The chicken juices seep into the rice as they bake together, creating a perfectly seasoned and cohesive dish. Plus, the caramelized edges of the rice are an absolute treat.
It’s also a great make-ahead option. Prepare it earlier in the day, and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook. This feature is especially handy when hosting guests or juggling a busy evening.
Lastly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can customize the seasoning, swap out the veggies, or even use different cuts of chicken to suit your preferences.
Ingredients Notes

The secret to this dish lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen:
- Chicken thighs: These are ideal for baking as they stay juicy and tender. You can also use drumsticks or chicken breasts, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe because it cooks evenly in the oven. Avoid using instant or short-grain rice, as they can become mushy.
- Chicken broth: This adds depth to the rice, infusing it with rich, savory flavor. Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness.
- Onions and garlic: These aromatics provide a flavorful base that elevates the entire dish. Dice them finely for even distribution.
- Seasoning blend: A mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs like thyme or parsley enhances the chicken and rice beautifully.
- Butter: A few pats of butter melt over the rice, adding richness and helping to create those golden, crispy edges.
You’ll also need a large baking dish or casserole pan to ensure everything cooks evenly.
How to Make This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Creating this delicious dish couldn’t be easier. Let me walk you through the steps to dinner perfection.
- Preheat and prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish or casserole pan with a bit of butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the rice base: In the baking dish, combine your rice, chicken broth, diced onions, minced garlic, and seasonings. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly distributed.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with your spice blend. Lay them skin-side up on top of the rice mixture, ensuring they aren’t submerged. This helps the chicken skin crisp up while baking.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap in the steam and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the rice is tender.
- Finish and serve: For an extra-crispy chicken skin, you can broil the dish for 2-3 minutes before serving. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld together.
Storage Options
This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.
- Freezer: Portion the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating tips: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Microwave reheating works too but may result in slightly drier rice.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to your preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Swap the protein: Use boneless chicken breasts, turkey thighs, or even pork chops for a different twist. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Change up the rice: Try using basmati rice or jasmine rice for a fragrant variation. Brown rice is also an option but will require a longer cooking time and extra liquid.
- Add veggies: Mix in chopped carrots, peas, or broccoli to make this a complete one-dish meal.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Make it dairy-free: Skip the butter and use olive oil or a plant-based alternative instead.
Feel free to experiment and create your own signature version of this classic recipe!
Final Thoughts
This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is more than just a recipe—it’s a dinnertime lifesaver. With its comforting flavors, simple preparation, and endless customization options, it’s sure to become a household favorite. So grab your baking dish, gather your ingredients, and let the oven work its magic. You’ll have a hearty, satisfying meal on the table in no time!
PrintOven Baked Chicken And Rice Recipe
This oven-baked chicken and rice recipe is a one-pan comfort meal packed with juicy chicken, fragrant spices, and fluffy rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear chicken thighs on both sides until golden. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add rice, chicken broth, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Transfer the rice mixture to a baking dish. Place chicken thighs on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use bone broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add vegetables like peas or carrots for a complete one-pan meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
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