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Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe

This easy-to-make dish is prepared entirely in the oven, eliminating the need for stove-top cooking. The rice is perfectly infused with buttery garlic flavors, maintaining a tender texture without becoming mushy. A simple trick of briefly baking onions with garlic and butter before adding the rice, liquids, and chicken creates an incredible base flavor.
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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Western
Keyword: Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 5 bone-in chicken thigh fillets skin removed (see Note 1)
  • 1 large onion chopped (brown, white, or yellow)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons 30g butter or olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups 270g uncooked white rice (see Note 3)
  • 1 1/2 cups 375 ml hot chicken broth or stock
  • 1 1/4 cups 315 ml hot water

Chicken Rub:

  • 1 teaspoon paprika powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

  • Cooking spray for a crispy finish
  • Fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic evenly across a baking dish (approximately 10 x 15 inches or 25 x 35 cm). Place the butter in the center of the dish and bake for 15 minutes, stirring if necessary to prevent any bits from browning excessively.
  • While the onion and garlic bake, prepare the Chicken Rub by mixing the paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Apply the rub generously to both sides of the chicken thighs.
  • Remove the baking dish from the oven and stir in the rice. Arrange the seasoned chicken on top of the rice.
  • Carefully pour the hot chicken broth and water around the chicken and rice mixture. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, remove the foil and lightly spray the chicken with oil, if desired, for a golden finish. Continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed.
  • Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before removing the chicken. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Optional Gravy

  • While the dish is flavorful enough to serve on its own, you can elevate it further by preparing a quick gravy, as demonstrated in the recipe video.