Looking for a hearty yet hassle-free meal that tantalizes your taste buds? Look no further than this oven-baked chicken and rice recipe. With succulent chicken thigh fillets nestled atop a bed of perfectly cooked rice, infused with aromatic herbs and spices, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- 5 bone-in chicken thigh fillets, skin peeled off (optional)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth/stock, hot
- 1 1/4 cups water
Chicken Rub:
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Olive oil spray
- Fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scatter chopped onion and minced garlic evenly in a baking dish (approximately 10 x 15 inches or 25 x 35 cm). Place the butter or olive oil in the center. Bake for about 15 minutes, checking at the 12-minute mark and stirring if necessary to prevent over-browning.
- While the onion and garlic are roasting, prepare the chicken rub by combining paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thigh fillets.
- Once the onion and garlic are fragrant and slightly caramelized, remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the uncooked white rice to the dish and mix it with the roasted onion and garlic.
- Place the seasoned chicken thigh fillets on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish. Pour the hot chicken broth and water around the chicken.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and optionally spray the chicken with olive oil for a golden finish. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed, and the chicken and rice are cooked through.
Conclusion:
In just a few simple steps, you’ve created a delightful oven-baked chicken and rice dish that bursts with flavor and aroma. The tender chicken, seasoned to perfection, pairs harmoniously with the fluffy rice infused with the essence of onion and garlic. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavors to your liking. Serve garnished with fresh thyme leaves or parsley for a final touch of elegance. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a wholesome and delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!