“My hubby’s exact words after his first bite, “Oh my god, Betty, this is fantastic!”

This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice is a fuss-free and delicious way to prepare a complete meal in one dish. Tender, flavorful chicken thighs bake alongside fluffy rice infused with aromatic onion and garlic in a savory broth.

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F.
2. Prepare Baking Dish with Aromatics: Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic in a baking dish (approximately 10 x 15 inches / 25 x 35 cm). Place the butter in the center of the dish.
3. Bake Aromatics: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, checking at 12 minutes. If some onion or garlic bits are browning too quickly, give them a mix.
4. Prepare Chicken Rub: While the onion and garlic are baking, mix together the paprika powder, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create the Chicken Rub.
5. Season Chicken: Sprinkle the prepared Chicken Rub generously on both sides of the chicken thigh fillets (ensure the skin has been removed).
6. Add Rice to Baking Dish: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the uncooked white rice to the dish with the softened butter, onion, and garlic. Mix everything together.
7. Arrange Chicken and Add Liquid: Place the seasoned chicken thigh fillets on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish. Carefully pour the hot chicken broth/stock and hot water around the chicken, ensuring the liquid doesn’t pour directly over the chicken.
8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
9. Bake Uncovered (Optional): After 30 minutes, remove the aluminum foil. Optionally, spray the chicken with a little oil spray to help it develop a nicer golden finish. Bake for a further 20 minutes, or until the liquid in the dish is absorbed and the rice is cooked through.
10. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the dish stand for 5 minutes before removing the chicken from the baking dish. Fluff up the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful one-pan chicken and rice!