Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
A comforting one-pan Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice made with marinated chicken thighs, basmati rice, garlic, spices, and herbs. The chicken bakes directly over the rice for a flavorful, complete meal with minimal effort.
8 Servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs 3 to 3 1/2 pounds
- Chopped fresh parsley optional, for serving
For the Rice
- 1 1/2 cups basmati rice rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups boiling water
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set the oven to 375°F to ensure an even baking temperature.
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and turmeric. Add the chicken thighs and coat thoroughly in the marinade. Allow the chicken to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Prepare the Rice Base
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the rinsed basmati rice, olive oil, diced onion, salt, black pepper, and boiling water. Stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Assemble and Bake (Covered)
- Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer over the rice mixture, pouring any remaining marinade from the bowl over the top. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes.
Bake (Uncovered)
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and fully cooked and the rice is tender.
Serve
- Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Use tongs to transfer the chicken temporarily to a plate. Fluff the rice with a fork to release steam and improve texture. Return the chicken to the dish, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
This Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free. Ensure that paprika, oregano, thyme, turmeric, and any optional garnishes are free from additives or cross-contamination. Basmati rice and fresh chicken are naturally gluten-free.