Enjoy this easy and delicious Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice, a one-pot wonder combining juicy chicken thighs and buttery rice, seasoned to perfection. Ideal for both lunch and dinner, it's a must-try rice recipe!
In a bowl, blend together chili, coriander, cumin, onion, garlic, black pepper powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Place the chicken thighs in a separate bowl. Drizzle oil over them, then add your spice mix reserving about ⅙ of the mix for later use. Toss until the chicken is thoroughly coated with the seasoning. Set aside for later use.
To Bake Chicken and Rice
In your baking pan, combine bay leaves, onion, garlic, reserved seasoning mix, rice, chicken broth, and butter. Stir everything together well.
Place the marinated chicken thighs over the rice mixture in the pan.
Cover the pan with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 355°F for 40 minutes.
After 40 minutes, remove the foil. Continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
Once done, take the dish out of the oven. Garnish with coriander leaves, fluff the rice gently, and it's ready to be served.
To Serve
Enjoy this effortless one-pan baked chicken and rice with your favorite side salad or any side dish you prefer, for a delightful and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Notes
Handy Tips for a Perfect Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice:
Choosing Rice: This recipe is versatile with rice choices - basmati, white, jasmine, or brown rice all work well. Keep in mind that cooking times and broth ratios may vary based on the rice type.
Baking Pan Size: Ensure you use the correct size of the baking pan for the amount of rice and chicken you're preparing. For this recipe, I've found a 10x15 inch pan works perfectly.
Optimal Baking Temperature: For best results, bake between 355-375°F. Start by covering the dish with foil for the first 40 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the water is absorbed. This technique ensures a crispy top layer on the rice. If the rice gets overly crispy, a gentle fluff will distribute the crispy bits evenly.
Checking Chicken Temperature: While the chicken usually cooks well within the given time and temperature, always check its internal temperature using food thermometer. The FDA recommends a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F for poultry.
Fat Content: The combination of butter and olive oil adds a luxurious, mellow taste to the rice. Both are used in this recipe, but feel free to adjust their amounts to match your flavor preference.
Rice Texture: To avoid mushy rice, ensure you measure the broth accurately. The rice absorbs the liquid as it cooks, so the right ratio is crucial for the perfect texture.
Let the Chicken Rest: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and flavorful.
Aromatic Touch: Consider adding a cinnamon stick or a star anise to the rice before baking. These aromatics can elevate the flavor profile of the dish.
Vegetable Boost: For added nutrition and color, mix in some vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers into the rice before baking.
Customize the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced fresh chilies to the seasoning mix.
Checking Rice Doneness: If the rice isn’t fully cooked after the recommended baking time, add a little more broth and continue baking for a few more minutes.
Herb Garnish: Before serving, garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, cilantro, or dill for a burst of freshness and color.
Leftover Magic: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and make a great base for fried rice or a chicken and rice soup the next day.