Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Healthy Dinner Ideas is a simple, one-pan meal that combines tender baked chicken with flavorful rice. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it’s beginner-friendly and requires minimal prep. The chicken cooks slowly in the oven, resulting in juicy meat with crispy edges and perfectly cooked rice soaking in all the savory juices. Pair it with my Lemon Herb Orzo for a refreshing side that complements the dish beautifully.
Why You'll Love Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Healthy Dinner Ideas - Quick & Family-Friendly
Discover the Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Healthy Dinner Ideas that’s quick, nutritious, and perfect for weeknight family meals. Try now!
- One-pan recipe with minimal cleanup and prep time.
- Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
- Balanced meal with protein and wholesome carbs.
- Juicy chicken with fluffy, flavorful rice.
Ingredients for Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Healthy Dinner Ideas - Quick & Family-Friendly
Chicken thighs: Choose boneless, skinless for even cooking and less fat. You can substitute with chicken breasts but reduce baking time slightly.Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for fluffiness; brown rice can be used but requires longer cook time and more liquid.
- Chicken thighs: Choose boneless, skinless for even cooking and less fat. You can substitute with chicken breasts but reduce baking time slightly.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for fluffiness; brown rice can be used but requires longer cook time and more liquid.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Healthy Dinner Ideas - Quick & Family-Friendly are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Healthy Dinner Ideas - Quick & Family-Friendly
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Pat chicken thighs dry, then season with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Mix rice and broth: In an oven-safe dish, combine rice, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, and frozen peas and carrots if using. Stir to mix evenly.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Arrange chicken on rice: Drizzle olive oil over chicken then place the thighs on top of the rice mixture, skin side up if using skin-on. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Expert Tips for Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Healthy Dinner Ideas - Quick & Family-Friendly
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor if preferred; increase cooking time by 5–7 minutes.
- For more veggies, stir in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with rice.
- Let the dish rest after baking to allow rice to absorb all juices and stay fluffy.
Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Healthy Dinner Ideas - Quick & Family-Friendly
Discover the Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Healthy Dinner Ideas that’s quick, nutritious, and perfect for weeknight family meals. Try now!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Toppings
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
How to Make Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Healthy Dinner Ideas
- Prepare the chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Pat chicken thighs dry, then season with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Mix rice and broth: In an oven-safe dish, combine rice, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, and frozen peas and carrots if using. Stir to mix evenly.
- Arrange chicken on rice: Drizzle olive oil over chicken then place the thighs on top of the rice mixture, skin side up if using skin-on. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake and serve: Bake for 25 minutes covered. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5-7 minutes until chicken is golden and rice is tender. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Healthy Dinner Ideas - Quick & Family-Friendly FAQs
Yes! Prepare the dish and refrigerate before baking, then bake fresh when ready to serve. You can also bake fully and reheat leftovers.
Chicken breasts can be used but tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily, so watch baking times closely.
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Using the correct rice-to-liquids ratio is key. Covering the dish tightly during baking prevents moisture loss that keeps rice tender.
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Before You Go
If you try this Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe for Healthy Dinner Ideas - Quick & Family-Friendly, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.