Hey guys, are you looking for a super easy and delicious dinner recipe? Look no further! This oven-baked chicken and rice recipe is a total game-changer. It's simple to make, requires minimal effort, and the result is a flavorful, comforting meal that the whole family will love. Let's dive in!

Why This Recipe Rocks

First off, let’s talk about why this recipe is so awesome. We all have those days when we just don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen, right? This recipe is perfect for those times. You literally throw everything into a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let it do its thing. No need to stand over a hot stove or juggle multiple pots and pans. Plus, it's a great way to use up any veggies you have in the fridge.

Another reason to love this dish is its versatility. You can customize it to your liking with different seasonings, vegetables, or even types of rice. Want a bit of a kick? Add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Feeling fancy? Throw in some mushrooms and a splash of white wine. The possibilities are endless! And let’s not forget the best part: the rice soaks up all the delicious chicken juices, making it incredibly flavorful and moist. Seriously, every bite is like a little taste of heaven.

Oven-baked chicken and rice is also a fantastic option for meal prepping. Make a big batch on Sunday, and you’ll have delicious lunches or dinners ready to go for the week. It reheats beautifully, so you don’t have to worry about it drying out. Just portion it out into containers, and you’re all set. This recipe is also a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or even a casual weeknight dinner with friends. Everyone always raves about how good it is, and they’ll be begging you for the recipe. So, if you’re looking for a reliable, easy, and delicious recipe, this oven-baked chicken and rice is definitely a winner. Trust me; you’ll be making it again and again!

Ingredients You'll Need

Okay, let's gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering dish:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if you prefer)
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables

Ingredient Breakdown

Let's break down these ingredients a bit. For the chicken, I usually go with thighs because they stay juicy and flavorful during baking. But if you're more of a breast person, feel free to use those instead. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they don't dry out. Now, about the rice – long-grain rice works best because it doesn't get too mushy. But if you only have short-grain rice on hand, that's fine too. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.

The veggies are pretty standard – onion, carrots, and celery form the base of our flavor profile. But feel free to get creative here. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even some chopped zucchini would be great additions. And don't forget the garlic! It adds a ton of flavor, so don't skimp on it. For the herbs, I like thyme and rosemary because they pair so well with chicken. But oregano, sage, or even a little bit of Italian seasoning would also work. And of course, salt and pepper are essential for bringing out all the flavors. If you're watching your sodium intake, you can use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust the salt accordingly.

Oh, and those frozen peas or mixed vegetables? They're totally optional, but they add a nice pop of color and some extra nutrients. If you're using them, just toss them in during the last 15 minutes of baking so they don't get too mushy. You can use fresh vegetables if you want to make sure you cook the fresh vegetables before baking the chicken and rice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let's get cooking! Follow these simple steps for a perfect oven-baked chicken and rice:

1. Preheat the oven: to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking from the get-go.
2. Prep the veggies: In a large baking dish, combine the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. These will create a flavorful base for the rice and chicken.
3. Add the rice: Spread the rice evenly over the vegetables. Make sure it's in a single layer for even cooking. This also allows the chicken broth to absorb properly.
4. Pour in the broth: Pour the chicken broth over the rice. The liquid should cover the rice completely. If not, add a little more until it does.
5. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil with the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken pieces. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor.
6. Place the chicken: Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the rice. Make sure they're evenly spaced so they cook evenly. The chicken juices will drip down and flavor the rice as it bakes.
7. Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. The foil helps trap the steam and ensures that the rice cooks properly.
8. Remove foil and bake: Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. The chicken should be golden brown and the rice should be fluffy.
9. Let it rest: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.

Tips for Perfection

To make sure your chicken and rice turns out perfectly every time, here are a few extra tips:

• Don't skip the resting time: Letting the dish rest is crucial for achieving the best texture and flavor. It gives the rice a chance to fully absorb the liquid and become nice and fluffy.
• Check the liquid level: If the rice looks dry while baking, add a little more chicken broth. You want the rice to be moist and tender, not dry and crunchy.
• Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).

Variations and Substitutions

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some fun variations and substitutions you can try:

• Spicy Chicken and Rice: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a little heat.
• Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the chicken mixture, along with some fresh parsley.
• Mushroom Chicken and Rice: Add sliced mushrooms to the vegetable mixture for an earthy flavor.
• Different Types of Rice: Experiment with different types of rice, such as brown rice or basmati rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly meal.

Serving Suggestions

This oven-baked chicken and rice is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add a little something extra, here are some serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great way to add some freshness to the meal.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are all delicious and healthy additions.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all those delicious juices.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply prepare the dish as instructed, but don't bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and follow the baking instructions. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Conclusion

So there you have it – an incredibly easy and delicious oven-baked chicken and rice recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. It's versatile, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights. Give it a try, and let me know what you think! Happy cooking, guys!