Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe Your Family Will Love

Crispy, golden oven baked chicken and rice delivers comfort straight to your plate.

Warm aromas fill the kitchen with anticipation of a delightful meal.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly alongside fluffy rice grains.

Mediterranean spices dance through each carefully crafted bite.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum flavor in this straightforward dish.

Home cooks appreciate how simple techniques create something truly special.

You’ll want to savor every delectable morsel of this classic comfort food.

Comfort in a Casserole: Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: One-pan chicken and rice recipe eliminates multiple cooking steps, reducing kitchen cleanup and saving precious energy after a long day.
• Burst with Flavor Profiles: Carefully selected spices like paprika, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal with deep, complex taste layers.
• Customize for Any Crowd: Adaptable recipe allows easy modifications for dietary preferences, such as using different protein types or adjusting seasoning intensity to suit family members' tastes.
• Meal Prep Champion: Perfect for preparing ahead, this dish tolerates overnight marinating and can be assembled quickly, making it ideal for busy households seeking delicious, stress-free dining solutions.

Key Ingredients for Chicken and Rice Perfection

• Chicken Legs: Juicy and flavorful meat that forms the centerpiece of this comforting one-pan meal.

• Olive Oil, Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: A robust spice mixture that creates a delicious marinade to enhance the chicken's flavor and provide aromatic depth.

• Long Grain Rice: Fluffy and absorbent grain that cooks perfectly underneath the chicken.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that add subtle sweetness and depth to the rice base.
• Chicken Stock, Water: Flavorful liquids that help cook the rice and keep the dish moist.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy rice texture.

• Green Onions, Thyme: Fresh herbs that provide a bright, finishing touch to the baked chicken and rice dish.

• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering the dish during initial baking to trap moisture.
• Cooking Spray: Optional tool for achieving a crispy chicken skin finish.

Easy-Bake Method for Chicken and Rice That Sings

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Chamber

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (180°C), getting ready for a delicious chicken and rice adventure.

Step 2: Create Flavor Magic

• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Massage this magical mixture all over the chicken legs, letting them soak up the goodness for 30 minutes or overnight for an epic flavor boost.

Step 3: Build the Rice Foundation

• Onion
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Hot chicken stock
• Hot water
• Butter

Stir these ingredients together with the rice, creating a delectable base for your chicken.

Step 4: Nestle the Chicken

Gently place the marinated chicken legs on top of the rice mixture, creating a beautiful layered dish.

Step 5: First Baking Round

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and merge.

Step 6: Crisp and Golden

Remove the foil and give the chicken a light spray of oil. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for another 20-30 minutes until the chicken turns a gorgeous golden brown and is completely cooked through.

Step 7: Optional Crispy Finish

For extra crunch lovers, pop the dish under the broiler for 3-4 minutes, creating a delightfully crispy exterior.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes.

Fluff the rice, sprinkle with fresh green onions and thyme, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal that’ll make everyone at the table happy.

Smart Tips for Fluffy Rice and Juicy Chicken

• Marinate chicken overnight to infuse deeper, richer flavors and ensure maximum taste penetration.
• Use hot stock and water to help rice cook evenly and absorb more seasonings throughout the dish.
• Spray chicken with oil before final baking for an extra crispy, golden-brown exterior that looks restaurant-quality.
• Allow the dish to rest after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and makes the chicken more tender and moist.
• Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage to customize the flavor profile and match your personal taste preferences.

Chicken and Rice Flavor Combos to Try Tonight

• Mediterranean Magic: Swap Italian seasoning for oregano, add chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle feta cheese before serving for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Mix in black beans, corn, and top with fresh cilantro and jalapeños for a zesty kick.
• Creamy Mushroom Comfort: Incorporate sliced mushrooms into the rice mixture, use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken stock, and add a splash of white wine for rich, earthy undertones.
• Herb Garden Blend: Infuse the dish with fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage. Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and use parmesan cheese as a final garnish for an aromatic herb-packed experience.

What to Serve with Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

• Enhance Flavor with Zesty Citrus White Wine
• Pair the chicken and rice with a crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, savory flavors. The wine's bright acidity and hints of lemon will complement the dish's herbal seasonings perfectly.
• Cooling Herb-Infused Yogurt Sauce
• Create a refreshing yogurt sauce with chopped fresh herbs like dill, mint, and parsley. Mix into Greek yogurt with a squeeze of lemon, which will provide a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, spiced chicken.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Cucumber Salad
• Prepare a light cucumber salad with diced red onions, chopped parsley, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice. This side dish will add a fresh, crisp texture that balances the hearty chicken and rice.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Chicken and Rice

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken and rice are completely cooled before sealing.
• Freeze: Transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Chicken and rice can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Microwave Reheating: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature to ensure thorough warming.

FAQs for Your Chicken and Rice Cooking Journey

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken legs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken legs with chicken breasts. Just adjust cooking time to prevent drying out, typically reducing it by 10-15 minutes.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken. The meat should be white and juices should run clear.

• What if I don't have hot chicken stock?

You can use regular room temperature chicken stock or water mixed with chicken bouillon powder. The key is to maintain moisture in the rice and chicken.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time when baking directly from the refrigerator.

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 100-110 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling oven baked chicken and rice brings comfort straight from grandmother’s kitchen to modern dinner tables. Hearty Mediterranean flavors meld perfectly, creating a one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 5–6 skinless chicken legs

Seasonings for Chicken:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil or avocado oil

Rice and Base Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups basmati or long-grain white rice
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups hot chicken stock/broth
• 1 1/2 cups hot water
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced
• Thyme sprigs, as needed

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (180°C), preparing a spacious baking dish for the one-pan meal.
2. Create a robust marinade by whisking olive oil with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly coat chicken legs and let them absorb flavors for 30 minutes.
3. Construct a flavorful rice base by combining chopped onions, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, hot chicken stock, hot water, and butter in the baking dish. Spread the rice mixture evenly across the bottom.
4. Arrange marinated chicken legs directly on top of the rice mixture, ensuring even distribution.
5. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the rice to steam and chicken to begin cooking.
6. Remove foil, lightly spray chicken with oil to encourage browning. Return to oven uncovered for 20-30 minutes until chicken turns golden and reaches safe internal temperature.
7. For extra crispiness, broil for 3-4 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
8. Allow the dish to rest 10 minutes, enabling rice to absorb remaining moisture and chicken to settle.
9. Fluff rice gently, garnish with fresh green onions and thyme before serving.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion and tenderness.
• Use low-sodium chicken stock to control salt levels and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Swap white rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly version of the dish.
• Ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety and prevent undercooking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg