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Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice
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Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice

A flavorful, one-pan meal where juicy, seasoned chicken bakes over buttery, garlicky rice. The secret to its rich taste? Briefly baking onion, garlic, and butter before adding the rice and broth, infusing every bite with deep, comforting flavors.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: dinner
Cuisine: western
Servings: 5
Calories: 574kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 5 bone-in chicken thigh fillets skin removed

For the Rice:

  • 1 onion chopped (brown, white, or yellow)
  • 2 large garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons 30g butter (or olive oil)
  • 1 ½ cups 270g uncooked white rice
  • 1 ½ cups 375ml hot chicken broth/stock
  • 1 ¼ cups 315ml hot water

Chicken Rub:

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

  • Oil spray for a golden finish
  • Fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Prepare the baking dish: Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic in a 10x15-inch (25x35 cm) baking dish. Place the butter in the center and bake for 12-15 minutes until softened and fragrant (mix if browning too quickly).
  • Season the chicken: While the onion mixture bakes, mix together the Chicken Rub ingredients. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
  • Add rice: Remove the baking dish from the oven and stir in the uncooked rice.
  • Assemble: Place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice, then pour the hot chicken broth and water around the chicken.
  • Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil, spray the chicken with oil (optional for a golden finish), and bake for another 20 minutes until the rice has absorbed the liquid and the chicken is golden brown.
  • Rest and serve: Let the dish stand for 5 minutes, then remove the chicken and fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Optional Gravy

  • The dish is already packed with flavor, but a quick homemade gravy can add an extra delicious touch.

Notes

Baking the onion, garlic, and butter before adding the rice enhances the overall flavor, making the dish taste richer and more aromatic.
For the best texture, use long-grain white rice, as it stays fluffy. Jasmine and basmati rice also work well with the same cooking time.
For an extra crispy finish on the chicken, broil it for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.