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Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
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Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a comforting and satisfying one-pan meal that combines juicy, tender chicken with fluffy, flavorful rice. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, this classic dish delivers balanced nutrition and warms your home with mouthwatering aromas.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in recommended for extra flavor)

Rice and Broth

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed thoroughly
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Fat and Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus a pinch for rice seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lemon wedge (for squeezing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Optionally, sear the chicken in a hot pan with olive oil until golden brown for extra flavor and texture.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, gently cook diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. These aromatics will infuse warmth and depth into the dish.
  3. Combine Rice and Broth: Pour the rinsed long-grain rice into a baking dish. Stir in the sautéed onions and garlic. Pour over the chicken broth and season with a pinch of salt and thyme to season the rice as it bakes.
  4. Add Chicken and Bake: Place the chicken pieces atop the rice mixture. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil. Cover tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes. The steam inside the covered dish will cook the chicken and rice gently.
  5. Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to allow the chicken skin to crisp up and excess moisture to evaporate from the rice.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for maximum flavor and moisture retention.
  • Don’t skip searing the chicken first to add richness and texture.
  • Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy grains.
  • Ensure a tight foil seal to keep moisture in during baking.
  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle and the rice to finish steaming.

Nutrition

Keywords: oven baked chicken, baked chicken and rice, one-pan chicken recipe, comfort food, easy chicken dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/oven-baked-chicken-and-rice/