Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice

A flavorful, one-pan meal where juicy, seasoned chicken bakes over buttery, garlicky rice. The secret to its rich taste? Briefly baking onion, garlic, and butter before adding the rice and broth, infusing every bite with deep, comforting flavors.

This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, offering an easy, hands-off cooking method while delivering a satisfying and hearty meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan meal – Less cleanup and more convenience.
Rich, deep flavor – Baking the aromatics beforehand enhances the taste.
Moist, tender chicken – The rice absorbs all the delicious juices while cooking.
Foolproof cooking method – No stovetop steps, just assemble and bake.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

10×15-inch (25×35 cm) baking dish – Ensures even cooking and enough space for ingredients.
Aluminum foil – Helps trap steam to cook the rice evenly.
Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
Sharp knife and cutting board – To chop onion and mince garlic.
Mixing bowl – For seasoning the chicken.
Tongs – For handling and placing the chicken.

Preparation Tips

Use hot broth and water to maintain an even cooking temperature.
Chop the onion finely for better caramelization during pre-baking.
Mix the Chicken Rub thoroughly to ensure even seasoning on the chicken.
Preheat the oven fully before starting for consistent cooking.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

5 bone-in chicken thigh fillets, skin removed

For the Rice:

1 onion, chopped (brown, white, or yellow)
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons (30g) butter (or olive oil)
1 ½ cups (270g) uncooked white rice
1 ½ cups (375ml) hot chicken broth/stock
1 ¼ cups (315ml) hot water

Chicken Rub:

1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¾ teaspoon salt
Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

Oil spray (for a golden finish)
Fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. Prepare the Baking Dish

Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic in a 10×15-inch (25×35 cm) baking dish.
Place the butter in the center and bake for 12-15 minutes until softened and fragrant. (If browning too quickly, mix to distribute heat evenly.)

3. Season the Chicken

While the onion mixture bakes, mix together the Chicken Rub ingredients.
Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.

4. Add the Rice

Remove the baking dish from the oven.
Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

5. Assemble the Dish

Place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice.
Pour the hot chicken broth and water around the chicken.

6. Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

7. Bake Uncovered

Remove the foil.
Spray the chicken with oil spray (optional, for a golden finish).
Bake for another 20 minutes until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and the chicken is golden brown.

8. Rest & Serve

Let the dish stand for 5 minutes.
Remove the chicken and fluff the rice with a fork.
Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Serve and enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

To create a well-balanced meal, consider pairing this dish with complementary sides that add freshness, crunch, or extra flavor. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Vegetables

A simple side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots provides a fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken and rice. Lightly season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

2. Roasted Asparagus

Oven-roasted asparagus spears with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of garlic powder pair well with the dish. Roast them at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until tender and slightly crispy.

3. Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Sautéed mushrooms with garlic and butter bring an earthy, savory depth to the meal. Cook over medium heat until golden brown and tender.

4. Simple Garden Salad

A light salad with lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast to the warm, comforting rice and chicken.

5. Coleslaw

Crunchy coleslaw with a creamy or vinegar-based dressing adds texture and brightness. It balances the richness of the chicken and rice without overpowering the flavors.

6. Cucumber Yogurt Sauce (Tzatziki)

A cool and refreshing tzatziki sauce, made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and lemon juice, provides a tangy contrast that enhances the dish.

7. Dinner Rolls or Garlic Bread

Warm, fluffy dinner rolls or crispy garlic bread are great for soaking up any remaining juices from the dish.

8. Grilled Corn on the Cob

For a slightly sweet and smoky side, grilled corn on the cob pairs beautifully with the dish. Brush with butter and season with salt for extra flavor.

Common Mistakes & How to Perfect the Recipe

While this recipe is simple, a few common mistakes can impact the final result. Follow these tips to ensure the best texture and flavor.

1. Using the Wrong Type of Rice

For the best texture, use long-grain white rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice. Short-grain rice tends to become mushy, and brown rice requires additional liquid and a longer cooking time.

2. Skipping the Onion and Garlic Pre-Bake

Baking the onion, garlic, and butter before adding the rice enhances the dish’s depth of flavor. Skipping this step may result in a less aromatic and flavorful meal.

3. Not Covering the Dish Properly

Foil is essential in the first half of baking to trap steam, ensuring the rice cooks evenly. If the dish is loosely covered, the liquid may evaporate too quickly, leaving the rice undercooked.

4. Using Cold Broth or Water

Always use hot broth and water to maintain a consistent baking temperature. Cold liquid will lower the oven temperature, increasing cooking time and potentially affecting texture.

5. Overcrowding the Baking Dish

Ensure the chicken is evenly spaced on top of the rice, allowing it to cook properly. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the rice from absorbing liquid evenly.

6. Not Letting the Dish Rest

Allowing the dish to rest for five minutes after baking helps the rice absorb any remaining moisture and results in a better texture. Skipping this step may lead to slightly wet or unevenly cooked rice.

7. Overcooking the Chicken

Chicken thighs remain moist even with longer cooking times, but if using boneless chicken, reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes to prevent dryness.

8. Not Adjusting for Altitude or Humidity

If you live in a high-altitude area, you may need to increase the liquid slightly and extend the cooking time to ensure the rice cooks fully. In humid environments, reducing the liquid slightly may prevent mushy rice.

By keeping these serving suggestions and cooking tips in mind, you can ensure that your oven-baked chicken and rice turns out flavorful, tender, and perfectly cooked every time.

This oven-baked chicken and rice is a delicious and easy meal, but proper storage, reheating, and additional tips can make it even better. Below are the best ways to keep leftovers fresh and answers to common questions about this dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

Proper storage ensures the dish stays fresh and safe to eat.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let the dish cool completely before refrigerating to prevent excess moisture buildup.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, and remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Reheating Instructions

Reheating correctly helps maintain the texture and flavor of the dish.

Microwave: Add a splash of water or broth to the rice to prevent drying out. Cover and heat on medium power in one-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
Oven: Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes. Add a small amount of broth if needed to keep the rice moist.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little broth or water. Stir occasionally until fully warmed.

Avoid reheating more than once to maintain food safety and quality.

Additional Recipe Tips

1. Make It Spicier

For extra heat, add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chopped fresh chili to the seasoning mix.

2. Add More Vegetables

Enhance the dish with peas, bell peppers, spinach, or carrots. Mix them into the rice before baking for extra flavor and nutrition.

3. Use Different Proteins

While chicken thighs work best, this recipe can also be made with:

Chicken drumsticks (same cooking time)
Bone-in chicken breasts (increase baking time by 5-10 minutes)
Boneless, skinless chicken (reduce baking time by about 10 minutes)

4. Make It Dairy-Free

Substitute butter with olive oil for a fully dairy-free version.

5. Create a Crispy Finish

For crispier chicken, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but it requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Use 2 cups of broth and 1 ½ cups of water and increase the covered baking time to 50 minutes before uncovering for the final 20 minutes.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything except the liquid, then cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. When ready to bake, add the hot broth and water, then proceed as directed.

3. Why is my rice undercooked or overcooked?

Undercooked rice usually means not enough liquid or the foil was not sealed tightly. Overcooked rice could be due to too much liquid or using a different rice variety.

4. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, but the liquid ratio and cooking time may change. Jasmine and basmati rice work with the same measurements, while short-grain rice may become too sticky.

5. How can I make the rice more flavorful?

For extra depth, try using all broth instead of water and adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

6. Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to use thawed chicken, as frozen chicken may release too much water during baking, affecting the rice texture. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before seasoning.

7. How do I prevent my chicken from drying out?

Using bone-in, skinless chicken thighs helps retain moisture. Covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking also prevents the chicken from drying out.

8. What if my chicken isn’t browning enough?

For a golden-brown finish, spray the chicken lightly with oil before baking uncovered. Broiling for a couple of minutes at the end can also help.

Conclusion

This oven-baked chicken and rice is a simple yet flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With the right preparation, storage, and reheating techniques, you can enjoy this dish fresh or as leftovers without sacrificing flavor or texture. By following the tips and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll achieve a perfectly balanced dish every time.