Easy Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe

Are you tired of cooking the same old chicken and rice on the stove? Why not switch things up a bit and make it in the oven instead? Not only is it easy and convenient, but it also allows for a more flavorful and tender chicken.

To begin, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, start by seasoning your chicken with your preferred spices and herbs. You can use anything from garlic powder and paprika to rosemary and thyme. Next, place the chicken in a baking dish and add in your rice, along with any vegetables you desire such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers. Finally, pour in some chicken broth or water and cover the dish with foil. Pop it into the oven and let it cook for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Voila! A delicious and easy chicken and rice dish that’s sure to please.

Ingredients for Chicken and Rice in the Oven

Chicken and rice is a perfect meal for any day of the week, whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or your guests. The ingredients you’ll need for this hearty and tasty meal are simple and easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need to make chicken and rice in the oven:

1. Chicken

To make chicken and rice, you’ll need about 2 pounds of chicken, preferably chicken thighs. They are juicier and more tender than chicken breasts, and they will keep their moisture and flavor intact during the baking process.

2. Basmati Rice

For the rice, you’ll need about 2 cups of basmati rice. Rinse the rice at least twice to get rid of any impurities, and soak it in water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will help the rice cook evenly and stay fluffy.

3. Broth and Water

You’ll need about 4 cups of a combination of broth and water to cook the rice. Use chicken or vegetable broth for added flavor, and mix it with water to keep the rice from drying out.

4. Butter or Olive Oil

Use about 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil to flavor the rice and prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the baking dish.

5. Garlic and Onion

You’ll need about 2 cloves of garlic and 1 small onion, chopped, to add flavor and depth to the chicken and rice.

6. Spices

To add flavor and aroma to the chicken and rice, use a combination of spices such as salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and turmeric. Adjust the spices to your taste and preference.

7. Lemon Juice

Use about 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice to add a tangy and refreshing kick to the chicken and rice.

8. Parsley or Cilantro

Use about 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley or cilantro to add color and freshness to the chicken and rice. You can also use scallions or chives.

9. Vegetables (Optional)

If you’d like to add some vegetables to the chicken and rice, you can use carrots, bell peppers, peas, or any other veggies you like. Cut the vegetables into small pieces, and mix them with the rice before baking.

10. Baking Dish

You’ll need a large baking dish to cook the chicken and rice in the oven. Use a glass or ceramic dish that has a lid or cover it with foil to keep the moisture and heat inside.

Now that you have all the ingredients you need, let’s move on to the steps for making chicken and rice in the oven.

10 Easy Steps to Make Chicken and Rice in the Oven

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

The first step to making chicken and rice in the oven is to preheat your oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) in preparation for cooking. This temperature is ideal for cooking chicken and rice evenly without overcooking or burning the dish.

Step 2: Prepare Your Chicken

Prepare your chicken by patting it dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a roasting pan or casserole dish. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or any other seasoning that you prefer. Be generous with your seasoning as it will add flavor to your chicken.

Step 3: Prepare Your Rice

To make chicken and rice in the oven, you need to prepare the rice and cook it alongside the chicken. Rinse the rice thoroughly and transfer it to the roasting pan or casserole dish with the chicken. Add water or chicken broth to the rice, ensuring that the rice is submerged in the liquid.

Step 4: Add Flavorings and Vegetables

Add flavorings and vegetables to your chicken and rice. You can add onions, chopped garlic, carrots, peas, or any other vegetables that you like to the pan. This will add extra flavor and nutrition to the dish.

Step 5: Cover the Dish

Cover the dish with foil or a lid. This will help the chicken and rice cook evenly, ensuring that it stays moist and tender.

Step 6: Place in the Oven and Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Be sure to check the chicken and rice periodically to prevent overcooking.

Step 7: Remove from the Oven

Remove the dish from the oven. Make sure to wear oven mitts as the dish will be hot. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 8: Fluff the Rice

Fluff the rice using a fork. This will help the rice to separate and become light and fluffy.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your chicken and rice hot. You can garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or coriander. This dish is a complete meal that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

Step 10: Store Any Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. You can reheat the leftovers in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal.

Preparing the Chicken and Rice for Baking

Now that you have your ingredients together, it’s time to start preparing the chicken and rice for baking. Follow these simple steps to ensure that your chicken and rice dish turns out deliciously every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

The first thing you need to do is preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that your chicken and rice cooks evenly throughout and is nice and hot when it comes out of the oven.

Step 2: Wash and Season the Chicken

Next, rinse your chicken pieces under cool running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Then season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and any other spices you prefer. You can also add a few sprigs of fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for extra flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Rice and Broth

In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice with the chicken broth. Stir well to make sure that all of the rice is coated with the broth.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Rice to the Baking Dish

Now it’s time to assemble the chicken and rice dish. Place the chicken pieces on the bottom of a large baking dish, then pour the rice mixture over the top of the chicken. Use a spatula to spread the rice mixture evenly over the chicken pieces.

Step 5: Cover and Bake

Finally, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or a tight-fitting lid, and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender. You can check the chicken’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer – it should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part of the meat.

It’s important to let the chicken and rice bake undisturbed, so that the steam can cook the rice and the chicken can become tender and juicy. After the cooking time is up, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make the dish even more delicious!

By following these easy steps and using fresh, high-quality ingredients, you can create a tasty and nutritious chicken and rice dish that your whole family will love. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying Sunday dinner, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite!

That’s it!

Now you know how to make a delicious and easy Chicken and Rice dish in the oven. We hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it with your loved ones. Thank you for reading till the end, we appreciate your visit and interest in our article. Stay tuned for more delicious and effortless recipes to try. See you again soon!