Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice are easy and delicious. The chicken is seasoned well with a nice blend of spices. At the same time, the rice is cooked perfectly, soaking up all the chicken flavor. This is the kind of dinner you would want to have at the end of the day. Easy clean-up with maximum flavor.

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busy weeknight dinner

We are all busy and making dinner after a long day is not something we get excited for. However, if healthy and delicious foods are your priority despite your busy schedule, then cooking at home is certainly the way to go. I always think of something quick and easy but also flavorful when it comes to dinner time. This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice are my go-to when I’m running errands all day and I have limited time. You can also check my recipe for One Pan Chicken Fajita and One Pan Lemon Butter Chicken. These recipes are my family’s most requested dinner. 

ingredients notes

SPICES:

• Smoke paprika – This Spanish specialty is made by slowly smoking different kinds of chilis under oak wood. It has a smoky, woodsy, and spicy flavor, different from everyday paprika. 
• Cumin – Originating from Egypt and the Middle East, cumin is a unique spice that I love to use when I make Indian chutneys and curries. This spice has a sweet, peppery, and warm flavor.
• Turmeric – If you’re looking for a mild flavor and nice golden color added to your dish, turmeric is a great choice especially combined with other spices when making curries.
• Garlic powder – Originating from the Middle East and Asia, garlic is one of the most commonly used spices in cuisines from around the world. Garlic powder provides smoothness, warmth, and a pungent, savory taste that is equally delicious in sauces and marinades. 
• Dried thyme – It’s always a good time to use thyme! It’s a woody, earthy taste that perfectly fits my savory dishes such as stews, roasted meats, and vegetables.
• Sea salt – Once you combine all the spices it’s important to add salt because it draws out the moisture from your ingredients. And for this reason, salt helps release flavor. 
• Red chili pepper flakes – Whenever you want to boost the heat, try adding crushed chili flakes. 

FOR THE REST OF THE INGREDIENTS:

• Chicken thighs – While chicken breast is great and has fewer calories than chicken thighs, significantly any dark and bone-in meat has more flavor and keeps moist. 
• Vegetables – Besides bell pepper, you can also use poblano or any other mild peppers. Cut the pepper into smaller dice. Chop one onion, dice a couple of stalks of celery, and mince or crush 3 garlic cloves.
• Uncooked rice – In order to achieve more fluffy rice I used white long-grain rice. Jasmine rice in particular. Season it with salt and pepper.
• Melted butter – Undoubtedly, butter makes everything better. 
• Chicken broth – Of course, we have to use some sort of liquid to cook the rice. Chicken broth works perfectly for this dish.

how to make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. 
2. In a bowl, combine spices, and season the chicken. Then toss to coat well. Marinate for 30 minutes.
3. Meantime, in a baking dish (rectangular 8×11), add onion, garlic, celery, bell pepper, and rice (rinsed and drained), and season with salt and pepper. 
4. Add melted butter and chicken broth, and stir to combine.
5. Arrange and lay the marinated chicken on top of the rice mixture. 
6. Cover the baking dish with foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165ºF and the rice is fully cooked. 
7. Remove the foil, turn your oven broiler to high and broil the chicken with rice for 2-3 minutes or until browned. 
8. Rest for 10 minutes before serving. 

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