Description
A comforting and flavorful Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice recipe featuring tender chicken thighs baked atop a bed of seasoned rice. This one-dish meal combines aromatic spices, sautéed onions and garlic, and chicken broth to create a perfectly cooked, savory dinner that’s simple to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature while you prepare the dish.
- Prepare Rice Base: Spread the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly over the bottom of a large ovenproof dish, creating a uniform layer.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Aromatics to Rice: Pour the sautéed onion and garlic mixture evenly over the rice, then carefully pour in the chicken broth to soak the rice.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Dish: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the rice and broth mixture in the ovenproof dish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes to cook the chicken and allow the rice to absorb the flavors.
- Crisp Chicken Skin: Remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken skin turns golden and crispy and the rice is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the finished dish for a touch of color and freshness. Serve hot as a complete, hearty meal.
Notes
- Be sure to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor and moisture.
- Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them enhances their flavor.
- Covering the dish tightly during the first part of baking ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the broth.
- Removing the foil at the end helps to crisp the chicken skin beautifully.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
