Oven baked chicken and rice recipe it’s more than a meal; it’s a memory from my kitchen to yours. Growing up in a small-town store run by my dad, I learned early that food is more than fuel it’s love, shared around the table.
This recipe captures that spirit. It’s a no-stir, no-stress dinner where seasoned chicken roasts on top of rice that slowly absorbs every drop of flavor buttery, garlicky, and tender without being mushy. Just mix it, bake it, and let the oven do the rest. Prep time? Under 10 minutes. Cleanup? One pan.
It’s the kind of meal that makes a busy weeknight feel like a warm Sunday at home.
Table of Contents
Check out the Crispy Rice Salad Recipe if you love easy dishes that bring comfort in every bite.
Why Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipes Are So Popular
Simple, hearty, and no-stress cooking
An oven baked chicken and rice recipe delivers the kind of comfort most busy home cooks crave warm, flavorful, and effortlessly made in one dish. It’s loved not just for its taste, but for how easy it is to pull off. With just a few basic ingredients and a single pan, you get a complete dinner that feels like you tried harder than you actually did.
Print
Oven Baked Chicken And Rice Recipe – Easy, Juicy & One Pan
- Total Time: 1hour 20minutes
Description
Made entirely in the oven (no stove!), the rice in this recipe is outrageously delicious! It’s buttery and garlicky, tender but not mushy. The secret tip is to briefly bake onion with garlic and butter before adding the rice, liquids and chicken – it adds a great flavour base!
Ingredients
- 5 bone in chicken thigh fillets, peel skin OFF , (Note 1)
- 1 onion , chopped (brown, white or yellow)
- 2 cloves garlic (large) , minced
- 2 tbsp (30g) butter (or olive oil)
- 1 1/2 cups (270g) uncooked white rice (Note 3)
- 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) chicken broth/stock , hot (I microwave)
- 1 1/4 cups (315 ml) water , hot (tap is fine)
Chicken Rub (Note 2):
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper
Optional garnish:
- Oil spray
- Fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F.
- Scatter onion and garlic in a baking dish (about 10 x 15″ / 25 x 35 cm), then place butter in the centre. Bake for 15 minutes (check at 12 minutes, mix if some bits are browning too much).
- Meanwhile, mix together Chicken Rub. Sprinkle on both sides of the chicken.
- Remove baking dish from the oven. Add rice then mix.
- Place chicken on rice. Then pour chicken broth and water around the chicken.
- Cover with foil, then bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, spray chicken with oil (optional, gives chicken nicer finish), then bake for a further 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Stand for 5 minutes, then remove chicken and fluff up rice. Garnish with parsley or thyme if desired, serve and enjoy!
Notes
If scaling recipe up, use multiple pans. If scaling recipe down, use a smaller pan. Scale recipe using slider – click on Servings.
1. Chicken – Bone in thighs is best because cook time is the same as rice and stays super juicy. Skin must be removed otherwise the rice will be too greasy. Just pull it off with your hands – it comes off easily.
Drumsticks will also work great with this, no need to remove the skin and no change to cook time or temp.
Boneless skinless thigh fillets or breast – put the rice in the oven covered with foil WITHOUT chicken. Bake for 30 minutes per recipe, then remove pan, take foil off, top with chicken then return to oven (no foil) for a further 20 – 25 minutes or until liquid in the pan is absorbed, per recipe.
2. Chicken Rub can be substituted with any seasonings you want! Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Italian Herb Mix – just use what you have.
3. Rice – Any normal white rice works great here. Long grain white rice will yield the fluffiest rice. Short and medium grain will work fine too but by its very nature, is a bit stickier. Basmati and jasmine are terrific too – same cook time.
Brown rice – add an extra 1/2 cup hot water. Bake covered for 1 hour then bake uncovered 15 minutes until rice is tender.
Rice not suitable – Minute Rice, Risotto or Paella Rice.
4. Nutrition assumes all the rice is consumed which it probably will not be.
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Cook Time: 1hour 10minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Western
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 318g
- Calories: 574cal (29%)
- Sugar: 1g (1%)
- Sodium: 766mg (33%)
- Fat: 29g (45%)
- Saturated Fat: 9g (56%)
- Carbohydrates: 47g (16%)
- Fiber: 1g (4%)
- Protein: 28g (56%)
- Cholesterol: 153mg (51%)
The beauty of baking chicken and rice together is that it saves time and keeps dishes to a minimum. There’s no need to juggle pans or watch a boiling pot. The oven does the heavy lifting while the rice cooks in rich, seasoned juices from the chicken, creating unbeatable flavor with zero stovetop mess.
Why one-pan meals win every time
In today’s kitchen, convenience matters. That’s why this oven baked chicken and rice recipe stands out. It’s ideal for families, couples, or even solo dinners when you want something satisfying without spending all night cooking or cleaning.
Whether you’re just learning to cook or you’re a seasoned pro, this dish makes life easier and tastier. Plus, one-pan meals like this are perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd without stress.
Don’t miss our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe if you’re craving another quick and flavorful oven dish.
Ingredients That Make This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe Irresistible
Choosing the right cut of chicken
The secret to a successful oven baked chicken and rice recipe starts with the chicken. Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice here. Why? They stay juicy and tender during the baking process and cook evenly in the same time it takes to make perfectly fluffy rice. Plus, removing the skin helps avoid greasy rice while still keeping all the moisture locked in.
Drumsticks are also a great alternative if you’re cooking for kids or want a more hands-on, casual vibe. Just be sure not to use frozen chicken straight from the freezer let it thaw first so everything cooks evenly.
Prefer boneless? You can still use thighs or chicken breasts, but you’ll need to adjust the timing slightly to avoid drying out the meat. In that case, partially cook the rice first, then add the boneless chicken later in the process.
The secret to fluffy rice with no mush
What makes this oven baked chicken and rice recipe stand out from all the others? The rice. Not just any rice but rice that’s soaked in garlic butter and hot broth, baked to tender perfection without becoming sticky or mushy.
Here’s what works best:
- Use long-grain white rice for the fluffiest texture
- Hot liquids (broth + water) give rice a head start in the oven
- Avoid minute rice, risotto, or paella rice they’ll throw off the moisture balance
The rice absorbs all the flavor from the chicken rub, garlic, onions, and stock. It’s like you’re making homemade broth right in the baking dish.
And if you’re into variety, jasmine and basmati rice also work beautifully. Just keep the measurements and bake time consistent for best results.
Discover great ideas like the Lemon Rice Soup Recipe if you love rice dishes with bold, cozy flavor.
For more recipes follow me on Pinterset
Preparation – What You Need Before You Start
Use a proper baking dish
To get the most from your oven baked chicken and rice recipe, start with a good-size oven-safe dish about 10×15 inches. This gives your chicken and rice enough space to cook evenly. Cover with foil first to trap moisture, then uncover near the end for a golden top and well-textured rice.
Spray a light coat of oil before the final bake for extra crispness on the chicken without needing extra fat.
Set up for an easy prep
One reason this oven baked chicken and rice recipe is such a go-to in my kitchen is how little it asks of you. No stove, no stress. Just trim the chicken, preheat your liquids, and prep the garlic, onion, and seasoning before you layer everything into the pan.
When it all goes into the oven at once, cleanup becomes a breeze and that’s a win on any night of the week.
If you enjoy straightforward recipes with big payoff, check out the Avocado Mayo Recipe for a creamy, healthy sidekick.
How to Cook Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Perfectly
One-pan method that works every time
For this oven baked chicken and rice recipe, start by baking your chopped onions, garlic, and a few slices of butter in the dish for about 15 minutes. This step helps create a rich, flavorful base without touching the stove.
After that, add your uncooked rice and arrange the chicken on top. Pour hot broth and warm water into the sides of the dish, making sure it doesn’t wash over the meat. This keeps the seasoning in place while allowing the rice to cook evenly.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for half an hour. Then remove the foil, spray the chicken lightly with oil, and return it to the oven. Let it bake uncovered for 20 minutes so the top browns and the liquid fully absorbs.
Once it’s out, give it 5 minutes to rest. Then gently fluff the rice and serve hot.
That’s the beauty of this oven baked chicken and rice recipe you get juicy, well-seasoned chicken and flavorful, fluffy rice with almost no effort.
Don’t miss our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe another baked dinner with bold, cozy flavors.
Can You Cook Raw Chicken and Rice at the Same Time?
Yes and here’s the safe and simple way
When preparing this oven baked chicken and rice recipe, you don’t need to pre-cook a thing. You can place raw chicken and uncooked rice in the same dish as long as you follow proper steps to ensure both are safely and fully cooked.
The trick is to use hot broth and warm water. Pouring these into the pan gives the rice a head start. Meanwhile, bone-in, skinless chicken thighs are the perfect match because they stay juicy and cook evenly during the same timeframe as the rice.
As everything bakes, the chicken slowly releases its juices. These mix with the broth and soak into the rice, creating deep flavor without extra sauces or stir-ins.
It’s all about timing and temperature
This method works because it balances moisture and heat. Covering the pan during the first part of baking helps the rice absorb liquid evenly. Then removing the foil lets the chicken brown on top while the rice finishes cooking below.
You don’t need to brown the meat or pre-boil rice just season, assemble, and bake. That’s the beauty of a reliable oven baked chicken and rice recipe: fewer steps, less mess, and incredible flavor in every bite.
Don’t miss our Lemon Rice Soup Recipe for another cozy, simple way to enjoy rice as the star of the meal.
Flavor Boosters and Variations for Baked Chicken and Rice
Make your oven baked chicken and rice recipe your own
One reason this oven baked chicken and rice recipe never gets old is how easy it is to customize. Once you’ve mastered the basic method, you can explore endless ways to switch up the flavor without adding extra work.
Start by playing with spice blends. While the recipe uses a garlic-thyme rub, you can try taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist, or a smoky paprika blend for something bolder. Want it herby? Italian seasoning or lemon pepper bring freshness and brightness that pair beautifully with buttery rice.
If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the chicken rub. Craving something cozy? Replace the broth with a blend of chicken stock and coconut milk for a rich, creamy twist that adds warmth and depth.
Add-ins that take it to the next level
This oven baked chicken and rice recipe also works well with simple add-ins. Toss in some frozen peas or corn before baking, or layer sliced mushrooms and bell peppers under the chicken. These will soften and absorb flavor right along with the rice.
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, dill, or green onions are great to stir in at the end. They lift the flavors and add a fresh, vibrant finish to the dish.
You can even finish the dish with a light drizzle of lemon juice or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for extra tang and creaminess.
Check out Crispy Rice Salad Recipe if you love creative ways to dress up rice-based dishes.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Chicken and Rice
Perfect pairings for this dish
This oven baked chicken and rice recipe is filling on its own, but a light side can round it out. A simple green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans adds freshness without extra prep.
You can also serve it with a quick lemon yogurt sauce or a drizzle of gravy for an extra burst of flavor. Want a cozy twist? Try pairing it with garlic bread or a soft, warm dinner roll.
For leftovers, stuff the rice and chicken into bell peppers or wrap in lettuce for a fun lunch the next day.
Don’t miss our 3-Ingredient Avocado Bread Recipe a perfect, easy side to serve with this meal.
Conclusion
This oven baked chicken and rice recipe brings comfort, simplicity, and flavor together in one dish. With minimal prep and no stovetop required, it’s a dinner you can trust to deliver every time juicy chicken, buttery garlic rice, and bold seasoning baked perfectly in the oven.
Whether you stick to the original version or explore your own spice blends and add-ins, the method stays the same: one pan, hot liquids, and just enough oven time. It’s beginner-friendly, budget-friendly, and flexible enough for both weeknights and casual dinner guests.
Don’t forget to let it rest before serving that’s the final step that makes a big difference. And when you’re ready to reheat leftovers? A splash of broth and a quick cover in the oven or microwave brings it right back to life.
This is more than just an oven baked chicken and rice recipe it’s a go-to meal you’ll make again and again.
Looking for more comfort food magic? Check out our Avocado Mayo Recipe it’s a creamy, flavorful companion to any simple dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe
Can you cook raw chicken and rice at the same time?
Yes, you can. This oven baked chicken and rice recipe is designed to cook both ingredients together safely. As long as the chicken reaches 165°F and you use hot liquid, both the meat and rice will finish evenly in the oven.
How do you make chicken and rice in the oven?
Start by roasting garlic, onion, and butter, then layer in raw rice and seasoned chicken. Pour hot broth and water around the chicken, cover with foil, and bake. This oven baked chicken and rice recipe is a one-pan, no-fuss method that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
How long do chicken and rice take to cook?
Typically, this recipe takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour in the oven. That includes 30 minutes covered, and another 20–25 minutes uncovered to let the liquid absorb and the chicken brown.
Should I cook chicken or rice first?
Neither! With this oven baked chicken and rice recipe, both cook together in one pan. There’s no need to precook either just layer, season, and bake.