There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of oven-baked chicken and rice filling your kitchen. This classic dish combines juicy, tender chicken with perfectly seasoned, fluffy rice for a meal that's as hearty as it is satisfying.

I first tried this recipe on a chilly weeknight when I needed something warm and easy to pull together. Little did I know, it would become one of my most-requested dinners, loved by everyone in my family. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this one-pan wonder is bound to impress.

Why You'll Love This Oven Baked Chicken And Rice

Get ready to embrace your new go-to dinner recipe. This oven-baked chicken and rice is an absolute lifesaver when it comes to flavor, simplicity, and versatility.

First off, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less mess and cleanup. Everything cooks together in the same dish, so you can spend less time scrubbing pots and pans and more time enjoying your evening.

You’ll also love how rich and flavorful this dish is. The rice absorbs all the savory juices from the chicken, creating a perfectly seasoned, fluffy base that complements the tender, golden-baked chicken.

This recipe is also highly customizable. Whether you’re adding vegetables, swapping out seasonings, or using boneless chicken, it adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand.

Best of all, it’s a foolproof recipe that even beginner cooks can master. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dinner on the table in no time.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing a key role in building the layers of flavor and texture.

Chicken thighs or drumsticks are the stars of the show. Their higher fat content ensures the meat stays juicy and flavorful during baking. Bone-in, skin-on pieces work best as they lend extra flavor to the dish.

White rice is the perfect companion to the chicken, soaking up all those delicious juices. For this recipe, I recommend long-grain white rice, as it cooks evenly and remains fluffy. Avoid instant rice, as it can turn mushy in the oven.

The chicken broth adds depth to the rice while keeping it moist. Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of the dish.

Onions and garlic provide a savory base for the recipe. The onions caramelize slightly in the oven, infusing the rice with a mild sweetness, while the garlic adds an aromatic touch.

Lastly, the seasonings—a mix of paprika, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper—bring everything together. The paprika not only adds flavor but also gives the chicken its signature golden hue.

For equipment, all you need is a sturdy oven-safe baking dish with a lid (or aluminum foil to cover it tightly).

How To Make This Oven Baked Chicken And Rice

Making this dish is straightforward and stress-free, perfect for those busy nights when you need something hearty and wholesome.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, season your chicken thighs or drumsticks generously with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.

In your baking dish, spread a layer of uncooked long-grain white rice, followed by chopped onions and minced garlic. These ingredients form the flavorful base of the dish.

Pour the chicken broth over the rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. For an extra kick, you can mix in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of olive oil at this stage.

Place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice mixture, skin side up. The chicken juices will seep into the rice as it cooks, creating a deeply savory flavor. Cover the dish tightly with a lid or foil to trap the steam.

Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Then, remove the cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes to let the chicken skin crisp up beautifully. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is golden and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the rice is tender and fluffy.

The total cooking time is just around an hour, making this an ideal option for weeknight dinners or lazy weekend meals.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores wonderfully for easy meals later in the week.

For refrigeration, transfer the chicken and rice into an airtight container and store it for up to 4 days. The rice may absorb more moisture as it sits, but a splash of chicken broth or water will bring it back to life when reheated.

If you’d like to freeze the dish, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Defrost it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, place the chicken and rice in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quicker option.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

For a healthier twist, swap the white rice for brown rice or a wild rice blend. Just note that these varieties take longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the baking time and liquid amounts.

Want to add some color and nutrition? Toss in vegetables like chopped carrots, peas, or bell peppers. Add them to the rice layer before baking to let them soften and absorb the chicken’s flavors.

If you’re not a fan of chicken thighs, substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even pork chops. Keep in mind that leaner cuts may cook faster, so monitor the baking time closely.

For an extra burst of flavor, experiment with spices. Add a dash of cumin, turmeric, or smoked paprika to give the dish a unique twist.

Finally, if you’re cooking for a vegetarian crowd, omit the chicken and replace the broth with vegetable stock. Add protein-packed ingredients like chickpeas or tofu to round out the meal.

No matter how you tweak it, this oven-baked chicken and rice recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your baking dish and get ready to enjoy a comforting classic that never goes out of style!