Golden Roasted Chicken & Rice Recipe: Family Favorite Comfort

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds.

This oven baked chicken and rice recipe delivers comfort on a plate with minimal effort.

One-pan meals solve kitchen chaos and streamline your cooking routine.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly alongside fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Herbs and spices dance through each bite, promising a meal that feels both homemade and restaurant-worthy.

Seasoned with love and baked to golden perfection, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

Dive into this effortless culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes Into Oven Baked Chicken And Rice

• Paprika: Adds warm, sweet pepper flavor and beautiful golden color to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Provides intense, concentrated garlic essence without moisture.
• Onion Powder: Delivers deep, savory undertones without chopping fresh onions.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Black Pepper: Brings subtle heat and aromatic complexity to the seasoning blend.

• Uncooked White Rice: Absorbs rich flavors and creates a creamy, tender texture.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses deep, savory undertones and ensures moisture during cooking.
• Water: Helps create perfect rice consistency and prevents burning.
• Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the overall dish.
• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic flavor that complements chicken perfectly.
• Melted Butter: Creates richness and helps rice develop a silky, luxurious texture.
• Thyme: Introduces earthy, herbaceous notes that pair wonderfully with chicken.
• Salt: Balances and elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and gentle spiciness.

• Fresh Parsley: Offers bright, fresh color and light herbal freshness to complete the dish.

Gear Checklist For Oven Baked Chicken And Rice

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for layering rice and chicken evenly.
• Small mixing bowl: For combining spices and creating seasoning mix.
• Large mixing bowl: To blend chicken broth and additional ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurate spice measurements.
• Measuring cups: Needed for precise liquid and rice quantities.
• Aluminum foil: Covers dish during initial baking to retain moisture.
• Fork: Used for fluffing rice after cooking.
• Sharp knife: Optional for preparing onions and garlic.

Cooking Guide For Oven Baked Chicken And Rice

• Spice Awakening

Blend a magical mix of aromatic spices to transform ordinary chicken into a flavor explosion. Generously coat each chicken piece, allowing the seasonings to dance across the surface.

• Rice Foundation

Create a delicious bed of rice in a spacious baking dish. Pour a luxurious liquid mixture that will transform the grains into a creamy, rich canvas for your chicken.

• Chicken Placement

Nestle the seasoned chicken pieces gently on top of the rice, allowing the skin to become wonderfully crispy while infusing the rice with deep, savory juices.

• Oven Magic

Cover the dish completely, sealing in moisture and flavor. Bake until the chicken turns golden and the rice becomes perfectly tender. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone to the table.

• Delicious Finale

Allow the dish to rest briefly, letting flavors meld and settle. Fluff the rice with a gentle touch, creating a welcoming meal that promises comfort and satisfaction. Serve immediately with a vibrant side that complements the rich, hearty main dish.

Ways To Boost Flavor In Chicken And Rice

• Chicken Skin Crispiness Hack: Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure extra crispy skin during baking. Use paper towels to remove excess moisture for perfect golden-brown results.
• Low-Sodium Option: Replace regular chicken broth with low-sodium broth and reduce added salt to control sodium intake. This variation works great for health-conscious individuals watching their salt consumption.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially chicken broth and seasonings. Double-check spice blends to ensure no hidden gluten-containing additives are present.
• Herb Swap Excitement: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or sage instead of thyme for unique flavor profiles. Fresh herbs can transform the dish's taste and add exciting aromatic dimensions to the classic recipe.
• Vegetable Boost Technique: Add chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers directly into the rice mixture before baking for extra nutrition and color. These vegetables will cook perfectly alongside the rice and absorb delicious chicken flavors during the baking process.

Best Ways To Serve Chicken And Rice Together

• Perfect Plate Partners: Fresh garden salad with crisp mixed greens and light vinaigrette.
• Veggie Companions: Roasted asparagus or honey-glazed carrots complement the chicken's rich flavors and add vibrant color to the plate.
• Sauce Enhancers: Drizzle some creamy herb sauce or tangy lemon-yogurt dressing over the chicken for extra moisture and zesty taste.
• Wine Pairing: Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio beautifully balance the dish's savory spices and tender chicken.

How To Save Oven Baked Chicken And Rice

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken and rice in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Freezing Technique: Portion meal into individual containers or freezer-safe bags. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve moisture and flavor.
• Reheating Method: Warm in microwave or oven, adding 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover dish with damp paper towel or lid to maintain rice's softness and chicken's juiciness. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Smart Meal Prep: Prepare extra batches during weekend cooking. Divide into meal-prep containers for quick weeknight dinners. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking and organized meal planning.

Crispy Oven Baked Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Delicious oven-baked chicken and rice blends tender poultry with perfectly seasoned grains for a comforting one-pan meal. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners when you crave something satisfying and home-style.

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Ingredients

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• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• ¾ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or mixed herbs)

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Instructions

1. Spice Preparation: Blend paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Thoroughly massage this aromatic mixture across chicken thighs, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Rice and Liquid Foundation: Layer uncooked rice in a baking dish. Combine chicken broth, water, onion, garlic, melted butter, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour liquid evenly over rice, creating a flavorful base.
3. Chicken Placement and Initial Roasting: Position seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on rice. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil. Roast in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to steam and meld together.
4. Uncovered Finishing: Remove foil to expose the developing dish. Continue baking for 25-30 minutes, monitoring chicken’s golden transformation and rice’s tenderness. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (75C) using a meat thermometer.
5. Resting and Serving: Remove from oven and let dish rest briefly. Fluff rice with a fork to release steam and create a light texture. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with complementary side dishes.

Notes

• Maximize Seasoning Impact: Generously rub the spice blend into chicken, ensuring every crevice absorbs the flavors for a deeply seasoned result.
• Prevent Rice Burning: Cover dish tightly with foil during initial cooking to trap moisture and prevent rice from drying out or scorching at the bottom.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F internal temperature, guaranteeing both safety and juicy meat.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap chicken thighs for skinless breasts to reduce fat, or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that maintains the dish’s comforting essence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg