5 Best Chicken and Rice Oven Recipes You'll Love

Chicken and rice is a timeless combination that offers comfort in every bite. Whether you're looking to impress guests or just need a simple family meal, baking this duo in the oven brings out rich flavors and a homey aroma that's irresistible. Let's dive into five delicious chicken and rice oven recipes that are not only easy to prepare but will also elevate your dinner game.

1. Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

This casserole is a crowd-pleaser with its creamy, cheesy goodness. Here’s how to make it:

• 1 cup of long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup
• ¹⁄₂ cup of milk
• 2 cups of shredded cheese (Cheddar or Mozzarella work well)
• 1 broccoli head, cut into florets
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• Seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon of butter

Follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a casserole dish, mix rice, chicken broth, soup, milk, and half the cheese.
3. Add broccoli florets to the mixture.
4. Season the chicken breasts and place them on top of the mixture.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
6. Uncover, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

🍲 Note: Broccoli should be blanched before adding it to the casserole to retain its vibrant color and reduce baking time.

2. Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

For a dish that’s both refreshing and aromatic, try this lemon herb chicken and rice. The ingredients are:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups of long-grain white rice
• 3 cups of chicken stock
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley

Here's how to prepare it:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a saucepan, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
3. Add rice, lemon zest, juice, and herbs, then mix well with the stock. Pour this into an oven-proof dish.
4. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and additional herbs. Place them over the rice.
5. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.

This dish not only fills your home with the scent of herbs but also offers a fresh taste thanks to the lemon.

3. Spanish Arroz con Pollo

Spanish Arroz con Pollo, or Chicken with Rice, is vibrant with flavor and color. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups of short-grain rice (like Arborio)
• 2 ¹⁄₂ cups of chicken broth
• 1 large tomato, grated
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks
• ¹⁄₄ cup of smoked paprika
• Saffron threads for color
• Peas, olives, and artichokes for garnish
• 2 cloves of garlic

Follow these steps to cook:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or paella pan, cook onions, garlic, bell peppers in olive oil until soft.
3. Add rice, grated tomato, paprika, and saffron, stirring until everything is well coated.
4. Pour in chicken broth, nestle in chicken pieces, and bake for 45 minutes or until rice is cooked.
5. Ten minutes before done, add peas, olives, and artichokes for color and flavor.

4. Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bake

Combining the bold flavors of Asian cuisine, this teriyaki chicken rice bake is perfect for those who love a sweet and savory meal. Ingredients include:

• 2 cups of sushi rice or jasmine rice
• 2 1/2 cups of water or chicken stock
• 1/2 cup of soy sauce
• 1/4 cup of mirin
• 1/4 cup of sake or dry sherry
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 4 chicken breasts or thighs
• Scallions for garnish

Prepare as follows:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar to make the teriyaki sauce. Cook until thickened.
3. In an oven-proof dish, layer the rice and pour over the water or stock.
4. Marinate chicken in some teriyaki sauce, then place on top of the rice.
5. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, basting chicken with more sauce halfway through. Add scallions for garnish before serving.

5. Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice

Embracing Mediterranean flavors, this dish is light yet deeply satisfying. Here are the ingredients:

• 2 cups of basmati or long-grain white rice
• 3 1/2 cups of chicken broth or water
• 1 lemon, juice, and zest
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 chicken drumsticks or breasts
• Oregano, garlic, and olive oil
• Crumbled feta cheese for topping

The steps to prepare this meal are:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté onions in olive oil in an oven-safe pan until soft. Add garlic and oregano.
3. Mix rice with broth, lemon juice, and zest, then pour into the pan.
4. Season chicken with salt, pepper, additional oregano, and lemon juice, place over rice.
5. Bake for 50 minutes or until chicken is done. Sprinkle feta before serving.

At the end of our culinary journey through these five chicken and rice oven recipes, it's clear that this classic pairing can be adapted in numerous delicious ways. Each recipe brings a unique twist, transforming a simple meal into something extraordinary. With techniques ranging from one-pot wonders to layered casseroles, these recipes highlight how versatile and universally loved chicken and rice can be. They're perfect for any occasion, whether it's a comforting family dinner or a dish to impress at a dinner party.

What are the health benefits of eating chicken and rice?

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Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Rice, especially brown or wild varieties, provides energy-giving carbohydrates, fiber for digestion, and various nutrients. Together, they offer a balanced meal that supports muscle health, energy levels, and can be part of a healthy diet.

Can these recipes be made gluten-free?

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Yes, these recipes can be adapted to be gluten-free. Use gluten-free versions of soy sauce or substitute tamari for teriyaki sauce, ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free, and avoid using any breading or flour that contains gluten.

How can I make these recipes suitable for vegetarians?

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Replace chicken with plant-based protein sources like tofu, tempeh, or a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure to adjust the seasonings accordingly to maintain flavor.