Description
This Oven Baked Chicken and Rice recipe offers a flavorful one-pan meal featuring juicy, marinated chicken thighs baked atop fragrant basmati rice infused with herbs and spices. The meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting family dinner with a delightful golden finish.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 3 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (3-3 ½ pounds)
- Chopped parsley (for serving)
Rice and Additional Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups basmati rice (rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups hot water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the chicken and rice.
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and turmeric. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat completely. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the rice: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the rinsed basmati rice, olive oil, finely diced onion, salt, pepper, and hot water. Stir thoroughly to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Arrange chicken over rice: Place the marinated chicken thighs evenly on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture for baking.
- Bake covered: Bake the covered dish in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the rice to absorb the liquid.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes uncovered. This step helps brown the chicken and crisp the edges slightly.
- Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven. Use tongs to lift the chicken off and fluff the rice with a fork. Return the chicken to the top of the rice, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Rinsing the basmati rice prior to cooking helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- Marinating the chicken for 20 minutes at room temperature enhances flavor but can be extended in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Using a baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil helps retain moisture while baking.
