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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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