There’s something magical about a meal that practically cooks itself, and oven-baked chicken and rice is the ultimate comfort food. Juicy, tender chicken nestled in perfectly seasoned, fluffy rice makes this dish a crowd-pleaser every single time.
I remember my grandmother making a similar recipe on Sunday afternoons, the savory aroma filling the house as we eagerly awaited dinnertime. This version simplifies the process while delivering the same heartwarming flavors, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Let’s dive in!
Why You'll Love This Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for this simple yet satisfying dish. It's one of those recipes that checks all the boxes for a perfect dinner.
First, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few steps, you can pop it in the oven and let it do all the work while you relax or tackle other tasks. No standing over the stove required.
It’s a budget-friendly meal that uses pantry staples like rice, broth, and seasonings, along with affordable cuts of chicken. Feed a family of four without breaking the bank.
The flavors are absolutely irresistible. The chicken juices infuse into the rice as it bakes, creating a dish that's savory, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. Every bite is loaded with comforting goodness.
Not to mention, cleanup is a breeze! This one-pan wonder saves you time in the kitchen while delivering maximum flavor. Perfect for anyone looking for a fuss-free dinner solution.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Chicken thighs are the star of the show. Their higher fat content ensures they stay juicy and tender throughout the baking process. While you can use chicken breasts, thighs provide the best flavor for this dish.
Long-grain white rice works best here because it cooks evenly and absorbs the seasonings beautifully. Avoid instant or short-grain varieties as they can become mushy.
Chicken broth adds depth to the rice, infusing it with savory notes that pair wonderfully with the chicken. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
Seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme give this dish a warm, well-rounded flavor profile. You can adjust the spices to suit your personal taste.
If you have an oven-safe baking dish with a lid, it’s ideal for this recipe. Otherwise, tightly covering the dish with aluminum foil will work just as well.
How to Make This Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice

Making oven-baked chicken and rice couldn’t be simpler. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this comforting dish.
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
In the dish, combine the long-grain white rice, chicken broth, and a generous mix of your chosen seasonings. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.
Nestle the chicken thighs into the rice mixture, skin-side up if using bone-in thighs. Sprinkle additional seasonings over the chicken for a flavorful crust as it bakes.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid to trap in the steam. Bake for about 35 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and fully cooked.
Once done, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the rice to finish absorbing all the delicious juices. The result? Perfectly cooked rice and tender, juicy chicken every single time.
Storage Options
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing this dish is a breeze.
Transfer any remaining chicken and rice to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain the moisture. Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use a microwave for a quicker option.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Swap out the chicken thighs for drumsticks, wings, or even chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for leaner cuts.
Experiment with different seasonings to create unique flavor profiles. For a Mediterranean twist, try oregano, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
If you prefer brown rice, increase the cooking time by about 15-20 minutes and add a bit more broth to ensure the rice cooks properly.
For a veggie boost, toss in some chopped carrots, peas, or broccoli before baking. They’ll cook alongside the rice, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
This recipe is also gluten-free, as long as your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free. Perfect for accommodating dietary restrictions.
Whether you stick to the classic version or customize it to your liking, this oven-baked chicken and rice is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try tonight—you won’t be disappointed!
PrintOven Baked Chicken And Rice Recipe
This oven-baked chicken and rice recipe is the perfect comfort food, featuring juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice in one dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, evenly spread the rice, onion, and garlic.
- Pour the chicken broth over the rice mixture.
- Rub chicken with olive oil, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for best flavor.
- For extra veggies, add diced carrots or peas to the rice mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken + rice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
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