One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Are you searching for a simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious meal that requires minimal effort? Look no further than the one-pan chicken and rice bake! This recipe is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It’s a complete meal in a single dish, combining tender, juicy chicken with flavorful, perfectly cooked rice. Forget complicated recipes with endless steps and countless ingredients – this bake is all about simplicity and maximizing flavor with minimal fuss.

This recipe is a game-changer for those who dread doing dishes. Everything cooks together in one pan, meaning cleanup is a breeze. Plus, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to adapt the flavors to your liking. Whether you prefer classic herbs, spicy seasonings, or a touch of sweetness, this chicken and rice bake can be tailored to your exact preferences. Get ready to discover your new go-to recipe!

## Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake

* **Effortless Cooking:** Minimal prep time and a single pan mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
* **Complete Meal:** Chicken and rice provide a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients.
* **Customizable Flavors:** Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences with different herbs, spices, and vegetables.
* **Budget-Friendly:** This recipe uses affordable ingredients that are readily available at most grocery stores.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** A guaranteed hit with family and friends, perfect for potlucks or casual gatherings.
* **Easy Cleanup:** One pan means less washing up – a true lifesaver on busy weeknights.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these simple ingredients:

* **Chicken Pieces:** About 2 pounds of bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a combination). Bone-in, skin-on chicken provides the most flavor and juiciness. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly (they will cook faster).
* **Long-Grain Rice:** 1 1/2 cups of long-grain rice, rinsed. Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming sticky.
* **Chicken Broth:** 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. You can also use vegetable broth or water, but chicken broth provides the best flavor.
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, chopped. Onion adds a savory base flavor to the dish.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic enhances the overall flavor profile.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the chicken (optional).
* **Dried Herbs:** 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano. These herbs provide a classic, aromatic flavor.
* **Spices:** 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder, salt and pepper to taste. These spices add depth and complexity to the flavor.
* **Optional Vegetables:** 1 cup of chopped carrots, 1 cup of chopped celery, 1 cup of frozen peas. Vegetables add color, texture, and nutritional value to the dish.
* **Fresh Parsley (for garnish):** Chopped fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious one-pan chicken and rice bake:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven is fully preheated for even cooking.
* Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up during baking.
* In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a spice rub.
* Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated. This step is crucial for adding flavor to the chicken.

**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics (Optional but Recommended)**

* Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish over medium heat. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can use a regular skillet for this step and then transfer everything to a baking dish later.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Sautéing the onion before baking releases its natural sweetness and enhances the flavor of the dish.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 3: Brown the Chicken (Optional for extra flavor)**

* If desired, add the chicken pieces to the skillet and brown them on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds extra flavor and color to the chicken. Browning is not essential, but it does enhance the overall taste and appearance of the dish.
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 4: Assemble the Bake**

* Add the rinsed rice to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic (or to the baking dish if you used a separate skillet for the previous steps).
* Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried oregano. Mix well to combine the rice with the herbs.
* Pour in the chicken broth. Ensure the rice is evenly submerged in the broth.
* If using, add the chopped carrots and celery to the rice mixture. These vegetables add flavor and texture to the dish.
* Gently place the chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture, spacing them evenly.

**Step 5: Bake to Perfection**

* Cover the skillet or baking dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Covering the dish helps to trap steam and ensure the rice cooks evenly.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken for safety.
* Remove the lid or aluminum foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden brown and crispy. This step is optional but recommended for achieving crispy chicken skin.

**Step 6: Rest and Serve**

* Remove the chicken and rice bake from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken and rice, resulting in a more flavorful and moist dish.
* Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Parsley adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
* Serve hot and enjoy! This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.

## Tips for the Best Chicken and Rice Bake

* **Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken:** This type of chicken provides the most flavor and juiciness. The bones add depth to the broth, and the skin crisps up beautifully during baking.
* **Rinse the Rice:** Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming sticky. Use a fine-mesh sieve and rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
* **Don’t Overcook the Rice:** Overcooked rice can become mushy. Start checking the rice after 45 minutes of baking and adjust the cooking time as needed.
* **Use Low-Sodium Chicken Broth:** This allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. You can always add more salt if needed.
* **Customize the Vegetables:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the bake. Broccoli florets, bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini all work well.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan) over the top of the bake during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Reheat Leftovers:** Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
* **Ensure chicken is cooked through:** Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

## Variations and Adaptations

This one-pan chicken and rice bake is incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations to inspire you:

* **Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Bake:** Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the rice mixture along with fresh herbs like dill and chives.
* **Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Bake:** Use Mediterranean herbs like oregano and basil, and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
* **Spicy Chicken and Rice Bake:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the spice rub. You can also add chopped jalapeños to the rice mixture.
* **Mushroom Chicken and Rice Bake:** Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions and garlic.
* **Chicken and Wild Rice Bake:** Substitute half of the long-grain rice with wild rice for a nutty and flavorful twist.
* **Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake:** Stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup to the rice mixture for a creamy texture.
* **Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake:** Use Mexican spices like cumin and chili powder, and add chopped bell peppers, corn, and black beans. Top with shredded cheese and sour cream before serving.

## Serving Suggestions

This one-pan chicken and rice bake is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with the following side dishes:

* **Simple Side Salad:** A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory bake.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and easy side dishes.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices from the bake.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy element to the meal.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a classic side dish for chicken.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fat: 20-30g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Conclusion

The one-pan chicken and rice bake is a true culinary champion – a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Its ease of preparation, customizable flavors, and minimal cleanup make it a winner in any kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and effortless meal that will become a family favorite. Happy baking!

## Recipe Card

**One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake**

A simple, flavorful, and satisfying one-pan meal featuring tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 60 minutes
**Total Time:** 75 minutes
**Servings:** 6

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a combination)
* 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
* 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1 cup chopped carrots, 1 cup chopped celery, 1 cup frozen peas
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat chicken dry and season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet or baking dish over medium heat.
4. Sauté onion until softened, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
5. (Optional) Brown chicken on all sides, then remove from skillet.
6. Add rice, thyme, rosemary, and oregano to the skillet. Stir in chicken broth and optional vegetables.
7. Place chicken on top of the rice mixture.
8. Cover with a lid or foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until rice is cooked and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Remove lid/foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until chicken skin is golden brown and crispy.
10. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

**Notes:**

* Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for the best flavor.
* Rinse the rice to remove excess starch.
* Customize the vegetables and spices to your liking.
* Check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Enjoy your delicious one-pan chicken and rice bake!