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This all-in-one Baked Chicken and Rice dish gives you juicy, well-seasoned chicken on a bed of perfectly cooked, flavor-packed rice. When chicken thighs with a tasty spice rub meet garlic-butter rice, you get amazing taste in every bite as they cook together, and the bonus is you'll only need to wash one pan afterward.
I've made countless family dinners over the years, and this one quickly became a regular request. The moment I noticed how the chicken drippings soaked into the rice underneath, I realized I'd stumbled on the perfect answer to busy weeknight meals.
Key Ingredient Breakdown
- Chicken Thighs: Choose bone-in for maximum taste
- Rice: Stick with long-grain for best texture
- Onion: Forms the tasty base layer
- Butter: Gives the rice a lovely richness
- Chicken Stock: Adds wonderful flavor complexity
- Fresh Herbs: Add a pop of freshness at the end
Crafting Your One-Dish Wonder
- Start With Flavor:
- Get those onions golden in butter for a tasty foundation.
- Spice It Right:
- Make sure the chicken gets an even coat of spices.
- Stack Smartly:
- Put everything in the right order so it all cooks properly.
- Watch The Clock:
- Keep an eye out for when everything's perfectly done.
- Add The Finishing Touch:
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs just before you serve it.
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The best cooking advice I ever got was 'trust your oven to do its job.' After making this dish dozens of times, I can't argue with that wisdom.
Delicious Serving Ideas
Pair this with some oven-roasted veggies or a fresh green salad. For an extra kick of flavor, squeeze some fresh lemon over everything just before you dig in.
Mix It Up Your Way
Switch things up by trying different herb combos, mixing veggies into the rice, or playing with new spice blends. When you want to make it extra special, toss in some mushrooms or colorful bell peppers.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Pop any extras in a sealed container and they'll stay good in the fridge for about three days. When reheating, add a little splash of water to bring the rice back to life.
After tweaking this recipe many times, I've found that getting the layers right and watching your timing makes all the difference. When you nail each step, you'll end up with a complete dinner that makes everyone at the table happy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap in chicken breasts?
- Sure! Just cook them 5-10 minutes less since breasts finish faster. Make sure they're fully done.
- → Why isn't my rice soft?
- Seal the foil snugly, and avoid opening the pan during the first 30 minutes. Some rice types may need a bit more water.
- → Is brown rice an option?
- Brown rice works fine! Use 1/2 cup extra liquid and let it cook 15-20 minutes longer.
- → Can this be prepared early?
- You can season the chicken and mix up the spices ahead of time. Combine everything with rice just before baking for best results.
- → What's the best way to keep leftovers?
- Store them in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of water when reheating so the rice stays moist.