Quick & Delicious Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe

Imagine walking into your kitchen, the aroma of savory herbs and spices weaving through the air like an inviting hug. You take a peek in the oven to find your Delicious Oven Baked Chicken and Rice bubbling away, golden brown and enticing. Just the sight of it makes your mouth water, promising a feast that’s not just satisfying but downright comforting.

Now, picture this: it’s a weeknight, the kids are clamoring for dinner, and you’re just about ready to pull your hair out. Enter this magical recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious masterpiece with minimal effort. It’s perfect for family dinners or when unexpected guests drop by, leaving everyone craving more.

I still remember the first time I served this dish at a family gathering; my Aunt Sally couldn’t stop raving about it, claiming it was “better than her Thanksgiving turkey.”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: For optimal flavor and tenderness, choose fresh chicken breasts from your local butcher.

• Long-Grain Rice: This type of rice cooks beautifully alongside the chicken, soaking up all those fantastic flavors.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness while adding depth to the dish.

• Onion: Fresh onions add sweetness as they caramelize in the oven; pick firm ones for best results.

• Garlic: Minced garlic brings an aromatic punch that elevates every bite—don’t skimp on this!

• Dried Herbs (Thyme & Oregano): These herbs infuse the dish with warm earthiness; feel free to experiment with your favorites.

• Paprika: A sprinkle of paprika adds color and a hint of smokiness—use smoked paprika for extra flavor.

• Olive Oil: Drizzling olive oil over everything helps achieve that crispy skin we all love.

• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; use freshly cracked pepper for that added touch of sophistication.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking throughout the dish.

Prepare Your Baking Dish: Lightly grease a large baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil. This will make cleanup easier later on.

Season the Chicken Breasts: Place your chicken breasts in the baking dish and generously season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried herbs. Feel free to rub them in for good measure!

Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onions until they become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about one minute should do it.

Add Rice and Broth: Pour uncooked rice into the baking dish around the chicken. Carefully pour chicken broth over everything; stir gently to combine without disturbing the seasoned chicken much.

Bake Until Perfectly Done: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and chicken is golden brown.

Now sit back as you revel in that delicious aroma wafting through your home. Your family won’t know what hit them when they taste this delightful meal!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by seasoning the chicken well and letting it marinate for at least 30 minutes. Preheat the oven while you prepare the rice and vegetables to ensure everything cooks evenly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap brown rice for white or add veggies like peas or bell peppers. Experiment with spices such as paprika, garlic powder, or even a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring the chicken remains juicy.

When I first made this delicious oven baked chicken and rice, my friends couldn’t believe I made it from scratch. They were all asking for seconds, and one friend even declared me a “culinary genius”—I think I peaked that day!

FAQ

What kind of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white or brown rice is preferred due to its fluffy texture when cooked.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before seasoning and baking for even cooking.

How do I know when the dish is done?

Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the rice is fully cooked.

Print

Delicious Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Delicious Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken breasts with flavorful rice, all baked to perfection. This dish is an ideal solution for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. With minimal prep and a burst of savory flavors from herbs and spices, your family will be asking for seconds. Get ready to enjoy a warm, hearty meal that requires just one baking dish and a few simple ingredients!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a large baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano on both sides and place them in the baking dish.
4. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions in olive oil until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Pour uncooked rice around the chicken in the baking dish. Add chicken broth gently over the top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and chicken is golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with rice (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For added flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute brown rice for white or add vegetables like peas or bell peppers. Ensure leftovers are stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.