Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the chicken to cook through while also creating a beautifully crisp skin.

2. Prepare the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the chicken thighs (or breasts) with olive oil and then coat them evenly with the seasoning mix. Set aside for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.

3. Sear the Chicken (Optional)

While this step isn’t strictly necessary, searing the chicken for a few minutes before baking can enhance the flavor and create a crispy, golden skin. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken, skin-side down, and sear for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip the chicken over and remove from the heat.

4. Prepare the Rice

In the same skillet (if you used one for searing), melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Add the garlic powder and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Now, add the uncooked rice to the pan and stir to coat it with the butter and onions. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes until it smells slightly nutty. This step adds a nice depth of flavor to the rice.

5. Add the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, and add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

6. Bake the Chicken and Rice

Nestle the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice. Make sure the rice is evenly spread in the pan. If needed, you can add a bit more chicken broth or water to ensure the rice is just barely submerged.

Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The rice should be tender and have absorbed all the liquid.

7. Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute in the chicken and helps the rice firm up a bit.

Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. If you want to add a touch of richness, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and rice before serving.

Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken and Rice:

• Rice to Liquid Ratio: A common mistake in baked rice dishes is not using the correct rice-to-liquid ratio. For this recipe, you’ll want 1 ½ cups of rice to 3 cups of liquid (chicken broth or water). This ensures the rice cooks properly while soaking up all the flavors.
• Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces stay juicier during the cooking process. The skin also crisps up beautifully when baked, giving you that delicious texture contrast between the tender chicken and the crispy skin.
• Customize the Seasonings: You can adjust the seasoning mix based on your personal preferences. If you love heat, try adding some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For a more herbaceous flavor, fresh rosemary or oregano works beautifully too.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Ensure there’s enough room in the pan for the rice to cook evenly. If you’re making a larger batch, you may need to use a bigger pan or cook in batches.

Variations You Can Try:

• Vegetable Add-ins: For added nutrition, toss in some vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers along with the rice. Just make sure they’re chopped small so they cook evenly.
• Substitute Brown Rice: If you prefer brown rice, you can swap it in for white rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires about 45-50 minutes to cook through, and you may need an extra ½ cup of liquid.
• Creamy Rice Version: For a creamy twist, stir in a ½ cup of heavy cream or sour cream before baking. This will make the rice extra rich and creamy while still keeping that comforting vibe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• One-Pan Wonder: The chicken and rice cook together in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze.
• Time-Saving: With just a 10-minute prep time, you can pop this dish in the oven and let it cook while you take care of other things.
• Versatile: You can adjust the seasonings and vegetables to suit your family’s tastes, making it a great option for picky eaters.
• Comforting and Delicious: The combination of tender chicken and perfectly seasoned rice is the ultimate comfort food, ideal for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd.

Conclusion:

Baked Chicken and Rice is the ultimate one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a medley of spices to create a satisfying dish. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe is simple, customizable, and perfect for busy nights. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a dinner that’s sure to become a regular in your rotation.

Give it a try and let us know how it turns out for you! Do you have any fun variations of your own? Share them in the comments below! Happy cooking! 🍗🍚

Enjoy!