Description
This Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice recipe combines juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with perfectly cooked long-grain white rice infused with aromatic herbs and spices. The dish is baked together in one pan, making it both convenient and flavorful, ideal for a comforting main course that serves six.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Rice Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 1/2 cups hot chicken broth
- 1 1/4 cups hot water
Seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and rice.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Place the butter, chopped onion, and minced garlic into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent, creating a flavorful base.
- Combine Rice and Liquids: Add the rinsed rice, hot chicken broth, and hot water to the dish. Stir everything together and season with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Prepare Chicken Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over each chicken thigh to enhance the flavor.
- Arrange Chicken over Rice: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin side up over the rice mixture, covering the rice completely for even cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes, which allows the rice to absorb the liquids and the chicken to cook gently.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil, spray the chicken with oil, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to let the liquid absorb fully. Optionally, broil for a few minutes to crisp the chicken skin.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired and enjoy your comforting meal.
Notes
- For the most flavorful and moist result, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Chicken breasts may dry out more easily.
- Long-grain white rice is recommended for the best texture; avoid short-grain or instant rice to prevent mushiness.
