Hey there, my fellow home cook! Let me tell you about my absolute go-to for a cozy dinner: this easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe. Seriously, it’s like a warm hug on a plate! The beauty of this dish is that you can throw everything together in one baking dish and let the oven do all the hard work. I love how the chicken turns out juicy and flavorful while the rice soaks up all the delicious chicken broth and seasonings. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. So, let’s dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for extra flavor)
- 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked, perfect for absorbing all that broth)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium is great for controlling salt levels)
- 1 onion, chopped (gives a lovely depth of flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (adds a warm, smoky touch)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust according to your taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for a little kick)
- 1 cup frozen peas (they’re quick and add a pop of color)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because you want everything to bake evenly and come out just right!
- Next, grab a baking dish and combine the uncooked long-grain rice, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure everything’s mixed well—this is where the flavor starts to build!
- Now, it’s time to place your chicken thighs right on top of that flavorful rice mixture. Make sure they’re nestled in there nicely. Don’t worry about stirring them in; they’ll soak up all that goodness as they cook.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to keep the moisture in, ensuring that your chicken stays juicy and your rice cooks perfectly.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s almost time when your kitchen starts smelling heavenly!
- After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil (watch out for that steam!). Now, sprinkle the frozen peas over the chicken and rice, then return the dish to the oven uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. This is when the chicken finishes cooking and the peas heat up just right.
- When the timer goes off, make sure the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Then, serve it up and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of your homemade dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: This easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe requires minimal prep and just one dish, making cleanup a breeze!
- Flavorful: The chicken turns out juicy and tender, while the rice absorbs all those delicious seasonings and chicken broth. It’s a flavor explosion!
- Healthy: With lean chicken thighs and plenty of veggies, this dish is a wholesome meal that feels indulgent without the guilt.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the spices to suit your taste.
- Comforting: There’s just something about the aroma of chicken and rice baking in the oven that feels like home, bringing warmth and coziness to your table.
Tips for Success
To make sure your easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I swear by:
- Use bone-in chicken thighs: They’re more flavorful and stay juicier than boneless cuts.
- Don’t skip the foil: Covering the dish during the first part of baking locks in moisture.
- Check for doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
- Let it rest: After pulling it from the oven, let the dish sit for a few minutes. This helps the flavors settle.
- Experiment: Feel free to mix in your favorite herbs or spices to make the dish your own!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up my easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe! Here are a few ideas that I absolutely love:
- Herb infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the rice mixture for a burst of freshness.
- Spicy twist: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if you like a little heat—it really kicks things up a notch!
- Veggie overload: Toss in some chopped carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach along with the peas for added nutrition and color.
- Citrus zing: A splash of lemon or lime juice before serving can brighten the dish and enhance all those delicious flavors.
- Different rice: Swap the long-grain rice for brown rice or quinoa for a nuttier flavor and a healthier twist.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create a dish that’s uniquely yours! The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to try them out!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your easy oven baked chicken and rice, you’ll probably have some leftovers—and that’s a good thing! To store, simply let the dish cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, just pop it in the microwave for a quick reheat. I recommend adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist while warming it up. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes—just cover it with foil to retain the moisture. Enjoy all over again!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk nutrition! This easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe is not only delicious but also provides a balanced meal. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keep in mind, these values are just estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. But isn’t it great to know you’re enjoying a hearty meal that’s packed with protein and flavor?
FAQ Section
Got questions about my easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often come across:
Can I use boneless chicken instead of thighs?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just keep in mind that boneless cuts may cook a bit faster, so check for doneness a little earlier.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can use water in a pinch, but I highly recommend sticking with broth for that rich flavor! Vegetable broth works too if you want a lighter taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to extend the cooking time a bit if it’s coming out of the fridge cold.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and perfectly juicy!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Just store the cooled leftovers in an airtight container, and you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the oven or microwave.
Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Cozy Nights
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
This is a simple and delicious oven baked chicken and rice recipe.
Zutaten
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, combine rice, chicken broth, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, add peas, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 1 hour
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 380
- Zucker: 1g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 12g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 3g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 45g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterin: 80mg
Keywords: easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe
