Easy Baked Chicken and Rice

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Description:
Easy Baked Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken with flavorful rice, all cooked together in the oven for minimal cleanup. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as it requires just a few simple ingredients and delivers a delicious, satisfying dinner. The chicken becomes juicy and infused with the flavors of the rice and seasonings, making it a family favorite!

Ingredients:

  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts: 4 pieces (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
  • Long-grain white rice: 1 cup (200 g)
  • Chicken broth or water: 2 cups (480 ml)
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Onion (chopped): 1 medium
  • Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Paprika: 1 tsp
  • Dried thyme: 1 tsp
  • Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the chicken:
    Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, then add it to the skillet, skin-side down. Sear for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauté the aromatics:
    In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Add rice and broth:
    Stir in the rice and mix well with the onion and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and add the dried thyme. Bring to a simmer, then return the chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the rice mixture.
  5. Bake:
    Cover the skillet or baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 75°C) and the rice is tender. If using frozen peas or mixed vegetables, stir them in during the last 10 minutes of baking.
  6. Rest and serve:
    Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.

Tips for Success:

  • Rice type: You can substitute long-grain rice with jasmine or basmati rice for a different flavor.
  • Chicken options: This recipe works well with bone-in chicken pieces, but you can use boneless chicken as well. Just adjust the cooking time.
  • Add flavor: Consider adding additional seasonings or herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavor.

Recommendations:

  • Side dishes: Pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
  • Freezing: This dish can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Nutrition (per serving, approx. based on 4 servings):

  • Calories: 410
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg

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