I call this the big cozy bake. I slide a pan into the oven and the house starts to smell like a hug. This sits in my list of Comfort Chicken Recipes and it never lets me down. I use simple pantry bits and I get tender rice and juicy chicken in one pan. Does the spoon stand still in the pot when you scoop some rice Well maybe not but it feels close. On busy nights I lean on baked chicken recipes or baked chicken when the mind wants calm food. Friends ask for seconds and I pretend to act surprised. The rice drinks up stock and garlic and a little butter. The chicken skin turns crisp and the meat stays soft. You hear a faint sizzle and you know dinner will fix the day. I once made this after a long road trip and we ate in quiet except for happy clinks. People search whole baked chicken recipes or oven baked chicken thighs or comfort food recipes dinners and this dish meets that mood. It brings warm steam to your face. It tastes savory and mellow. It looks rustic and golden. You scoop a corner and the rice releases a puff that smells like Sunday. Leftovers reheat well so future you will thank present you.
Table of Contents
- 1 Key Takeaways
- 2 Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe
- 3 Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
- 4 How to Make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
- 5 Tips for Making Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
- 6 Making Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Ahead of Time
- 7 Storing Leftover Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
- 8 Try these Main Course next
- 9 Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
- 10 Nutrition
1 Key Takeaways
I write this as Linda for Cook Daily Recipe and I cook this dish often. We eat it on weeknights and on slow Sundays. The method stays simple and the payoff tastes big.
Rice cooks under chicken so the grains soak flavor. The pan sits flat in the oven. You set it and you breathe for a minute.
Clean up stays easy. The result gives comfort and keeps its charm for lunch the next day. You can read more at Cook Daily Recipe at https cookdailyrecipes com.
2 Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe
I reach for this when I want calm food fast. Comfort Chicken Recipes guide my week and this one leads the pack. Comfort Chicken Recipes fit tough days and also our lazy evenings. The kitchen smells warm and we start to relax before the first bite.
The pan holds rice stock garlic and a little butter. Chicken sits on top so the skin turns crisp. Steam drifts up and hugs your face. I check once and then I let the oven do the job. No fuss. No fancy gear. Just dinner that feels like a soft sweater.
Readers ask if this fits baked chicken recipes or baked chicken and yes it does. It also stands near oven baked chicken thighs and whole baked chicken recipes in spirit. On Cook Daily Recipe we like food that earns a spot in regular rotation. This plate does that without drama.
3 Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Chicken thighs I use bone in skin on so the meat stays juicy and the top turns crisp. The skin protects the flesh and gives savory bites that make the rice sing.
Long grain rice Rinse until water runs clear. The grains cook tender and stay separate. I like jasmine for a gentle aroma that rides with the garlic.
Chicken stock Warm and steady. It feeds the rice and builds body. You can use low sodium stock so the salt sits in your control.
Onion Finely chopped so it melts into the rice. It adds sweetness and that little hum that tastes like home.
Garlic Minced close and fresh. When it hits heat it turns soft and mellow. It perfumes the pan and makes the kitchen feel cozy.
Butter Melted and stirred through the rice. It brings sheen and a round taste. Small amount goes a long way.
Olive oil A light brush on the dish and a touch for the chicken. It helps browning and keeps things from sticking.
Paprika Soft warmth and gentle color. It gives the chicken a friendly glow.
Garlic powder and onion powder Quick flavor boosters that back up the fresh aromatics. They stick to the skin and taste great.
Dried thyme Earthy and calm. A small pinch brings balance.
Kosher salt Seasons the rice and the chicken. Start light then taste and add more.
Black pepper Fresh ground pep wakes the dish and adds a little bite at the end.
Bay leaf One leaf in the rice brings a quiet herbal note. You can remove it before serving.
Parsley Chopped and scattered at the finish. It adds color and a clean edge.
Lemon wedges Squeeze over the plate for bright lift. The acid cuts through the richness and sparks the rice.
4 How to Make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Step 1 Heat oven to 375 F. Lightly oil a baking dish so the rice rests in an even layer and cooks steady.
Step 2 Stir rice warm stock onion garlic melted butter bay leaf and a pinch of salt right in the dish. Spread the rice flat so liquid covers it well.
Step 3 Pat chicken dry. Mix paprika garlic powder onion powder thyme salt and pepper. Rub the mix on the chicken so the flavor clings.
Step 4 Nestle chicken skin side up over the rice. Cover the dish snug with foil so steam works for you.
Step 5 Bake 35 minutes. Pull the foil. Bake 20 to 25 minutes more until the rice turns tender and the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165 F.
Step 6 Rest 5 to 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork. Finish with parsley and serve with lemon for a bright bite.
5 Tips for Making Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Rinse the rice to wash off the extra starch. The grains will cook fluffy and not clump. Use a fine mesh strainer and cool water until the stream runs clear.
Pat the chicken dry so the skin can crisp. Dry skin plus a light rub equals golden color and good texture. A small rest after baking keeps juices inside.
Check the rice near the end. If it looks a bit tight add two spoonfuls of warm stock and give the pan two more minutes. This small tweak saves dinner and keeps stress low.
6 Making Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Ahead of Time
I batch cook this on Sunday for a busy week. The rice and chicken hold texture when chilled and warmed with care. Cover the pan and reheat in the oven so steam brings life back.
You can season and chill the chicken in the morning. You can mix the dry rice with onion garlic and spices and keep it covered. At dinner time pour in stock set the chicken on top and bake.
This plan fits comfort food recipes dinners where you want calm steps and steady results. It leaves room for a salad or a quick veg and it keeps dishes to a minimum.
7 Storing Leftover Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Cool leftovers to room temp then move them to a tight container. The rice stays tender and the chicken stays juicy for three days in the fridge.
For the freezer place single servings in small containers. Label the date and stash them flat. Thaw in the fridge and warm in the oven so texture returns.
I like to splash a spoon of stock when reheating. It wakes the rice and gives that fresh cooked feel. This trick fits the best Comfort Chicken Recipes at home.
8 Try these Main Course next
9 Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Oven Baked Chicken And Rice Dinner Comfort Chicken Recipes
Ingredients
For The Chicken And Rice
- 6 bone in skin on chicken thighs
- 1 and 1 half cups long grain rice rinsed
- 3 cups low sodium chicken stock
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 fourths teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- half teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for serving
- lemon wedges for serving optional
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375 F. Grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
- Mix rice stock onion garlic melted butter bay leaf and a pinch of salt in the dish. Spread rice in an even layer.
- Pat chicken dry. Stir together paprika garlic powder onion powder dried thyme salt and pepper. Rub all over chicken.
- Nestle chicken skin side up on top of the rice. Do not submerge completely. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20 to 25 minutes more until rice is tender and chicken skin is crisp and the thickest part reads 165 F.
- Rest 5 to 10 minutes. Fluff rice. Sprinkle parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.
10 Nutrition
The plate offers balanced fuel with protein and steady carbs. A typical serving gives near 520 calories with modest sugar and a good amount of protein. Use low sodium stock if you track salt and trim the skin if you want a leaner take.
Serve with a green salad or steamed veg for color and fiber. A squeeze of lemon brightens the meal and adds freshness without extra effort.
This dish sits well in a list of baked chicken recipes and pairs with simple sides so the meal stays calm and friendly for all ages.
Find more from Linda at Cook Daily Recipe at https cookdailyrecipes com. We cook simple food that tastes good and fits real life. Comfort Chicken Recipes live here and they make weekdays easier.
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