Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking dish (9×13-inch works well)
• Skillet (for browning the chicken)
• Tongs (for handling the chicken)
• Aluminum foil (for covering the dish)

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How to Make Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps prevent clumping.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat Oil in a Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Season and Sear: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, then sear it in the skillet, skin-side down, for about 3 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Remove from heat and set aside. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

1. Layer the Rice: Spread the rinsed rice evenly in the bottom of a greased baking dish.
2. Add Aromatics: Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic over the rice.
3. Pour in Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the rice and season with a little extra salt if needed. Stir to combine the ingredients in the baking dish.
4. Place the Chicken on Top: Arrange the seared chicken pieces on top of the rice, skin-side up. This positioning allows the juices from the chicken to flavor the rice as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
2. Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is tender.
3. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor.

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Tips for the Best Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

• Choose Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: Bone-in chicken pieces add extra flavor, while the skin provides a crispy texture. However, you can use boneless chicken if preferred; just reduce the cooking time slightly.
• Add Vegetables: For a complete one-pan meal, add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers. Scatter them over the rice before adding the chicken.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of sour cream into the broth to make a creamy version of this dish.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Adding sprigs of thyme or rosemary on top of the chicken while it bakes will infuse the dish with a fragrant, savory aroma.

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