Picture this: Juicy, golden-brown chicken resting on a bed of perfectly seasoned, buttery garlic rice. Every grain is infused with rich chicken juices, creating a dish that’s both comforting and incredibly flavorful. And the best part? You barely have to do anything.
This oven baked chicken and rice recipe has won hearts worldwide because it’s a game-changer for busy home cooks. No babysitting the stove, no extra dishes—just a one-pan meal that practically makes itself. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Now, let’s dive into why this dish deserves a top spot in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. One-Pan Wonder – Minimal Cleanup
You know that feeling when you finish cooking and realize you’ve used every pot and pan in the kitchen? Yeah, that’s not happening here. This recipe is 100% a one-pan meal, so you’re not stuck washing a mountain of dishes after dinner.
2. Hands-Off Cooking – Set It and Forget It
Once you pop this dish in the oven, you’re free to do whatever you want—watch your favorite show, help the kids with homework, or just relax with a glass of wine. No stirring, no flipping, no checking every five minutes.
3. Quick and Easy – Under 10 Minutes of Prep
Some recipes claim to be “easy” but still require a dozen steps and an ingredient list a mile long. Not this one. 10 minutes of active prep, and then the oven does all the work.
4. Outrageously Delicious – Juicy Chicken and Flavor-Packed Rice
The baked chicken and rice absorb all those delicious seasonings, butter, and chicken juices, creating an unbeatable depth of flavor. Plus, the crispy, golden edges of the rice? Absolute heaven.
Want another simple yet delicious chicken dish? Check out this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe.
The Secret to Perfect Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
1. Rice That Soaks Up All the Chicken Juices
Most rice recipes require broth or water for flavor, but this one gets an upgrade—the chicken itself does the heavy lifting. As the chicken bakes, its natural juices drip into the rice, creating a built-in homemade broth.
2. Hot Liquid = Perfectly Cooked, Fluffy Rice
Want fluffy, never-mushy rice? Use hot liquid instead of cold. This simple trick helps the rice start cooking immediately, preventing that dreaded soggy texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Best Chicken for This Recipe
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work best—they stay juicy and cook at the same rate as the rice.
- Drumsticks are a great substitute.
- Boneless chicken? You can use it, but reduce the baking time by 10-15 minutes.
The Right Type of Rice
- Best choices: Long grain, jasmine, or basmati rice.
- Avoid: Short-grain rice (like sushi or risotto) since it gets too sticky.
- Using brown rice? Add extra liquid and increase cooking time.
Seasonings That Make This Dish Pop
- Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Butter and Garlic – The Flavor Boosters
- Butter adds richness, and garlic brings that bold, irresistible aroma.
Water vs. Chicken Broth
- Chicken broth makes the rice even more flavorful, but water works in a pinch.
How to Prepare the Chicken
1. Removing the Skin (Optional but Recommended!)
Keeping the skin on adds flavor, but removing it prevents the rice from getting greasy. Just peel it off—it takes 5 seconds.
2. Seasoning for Maximum Flavor
Be generous! Coat the chicken in spices to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
For another chicken recipe packed with bold flavors, try these Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions, garlic, and butter in the oven (yes, the oven does the work here!).
- Add rice and seasonings, mixing well.
- Pour in hot broth or water to start cooking the rice.
- Place the seasoned chicken on top.
- Cover and bake for 50 minutes.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
How Long to Bake Chicken and Rice
- Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes for juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice.
- Chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F.
Tips for the Best Baked Chicken and Rice
- For crispy rice edges, don’t stir after baking.
- For extra juicy chicken, let it rest before serving.
- Adjust seasoning to taste—add a little heat with chili flakes!
What to Serve with Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
1. A Fresh, Crispy Salad
A leafy green salad with balsamic vinaigrette adds the perfect balance.
2. Steamed Vegetables
Toss them in garlic butter for an extra pop of flavor.
3. Gravy (Optional but Amazing!)
The rice is already flavorful, but a quick 4-minute gravy takes it over the top.
Want another cheesy, comforting meal? Try this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat with a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for easy meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Reduce the baking time by 10-15 minutes.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Use olive oil instead of butter.
Can I cook this in a Dutch oven?
Absolutely! A Dutch oven holds heat well and works great.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger baking dish and adjust cooking time slightly.
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (skin removed)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- For the Garlic Butter Rice:
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice jasmine or basmati
- 2 ½ cups hot chicken broth or water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Oven Sauté: In a baking dish, add butter, garlic, and onion. Place it in the oven for 5 minutes until softened.
- Prepare Rice: Add uncooked rice and seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, thyme) to the baking dish and stir.
- Add Hot Liquid: Pour in hot chicken broth and mix well.
- Season Chicken: Season chicken thighs with additional paprika, salt, and pepper, then place them on top of the rice.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 50 minutes.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then fluff the rice and serve!
Notes
- For Extra Crispy Rice: Uncover for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- For Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
- Using Brown Rice? Increase broth to 3 cups and bake for 60-65 minutes.
- Alternative Proteins: Try drumsticks or boneless chicken, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
This oven baked chicken and rice recipe is comfort food at its best—simple, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a foolproof meal you’ll make again and again.
For more chicken inspiration, check out Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas and Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken.
