Recipe for Baked Rice with Chicken and Vegetables

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Rice:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch and place it in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

• In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant. This step helps to build flavor at the base of your dish.

3. Layer the Chicken and Vegetables:

• After the onion and garlic are ready, layer the chicken breasts (or thighs) on top of the rice in the baking dish. Sprinkle the chicken with a pinch of salt, pepper, and half of the dried thyme and oregano.
• Add your mixed vegetables to the dish, spreading them evenly around the chicken. You can use any combination of vegetables, such as peas, carrots, corn, and bell peppers, and you can use frozen veggies if you don’t have fresh ones on hand.

4. Add Broth and Seasonings:

• Pour the chicken broth over the rice, making sure the rice is evenly covered with liquid. If you like, add a tablespoon of soy sauce to enhance the umami flavor of the dish. Sprinkle the remaining dried thyme and oregano over the top of the dish. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper as needed.

5. Bake the Dish:

• Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C for chicken). If using brown rice, you may need to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, as it takes longer to cook.

6. Optional Step – Add Cheese:

• If you like a cheesy finish, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking and sprinkle the grated cheese on top of the chicken and vegetables. Let it melt and turn golden brown for a gooey, delicious topping.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once the dish is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve! Garnish with fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil) if desired for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for the Best Baked Rice with Chicken and Vegetables

• Choose the Right Rice: Long-grain white rice works best in this recipe, as it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors without getting mushy. You can use brown rice for a healthier option, but it will require additional baking time (about 50-60 minutes in total).
• Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you don’t mind a bit more work, using bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks will add extra flavor to the dish, as the bones help to impart richness to the rice as it cooks. Just make sure to increase the cooking time slightly, about 5-10 minutes more.
• Customize the Vegetables: This is a great dish for using up whatever vegetables you have in the fridge. Frozen vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn work wonderfully, as do fresh vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. Just keep the ratios in mind, ensuring the vegetables don’t overcrowd the rice.
• Layering the Ingredients: Be sure to layer the chicken on top of the rice, so it cooks in the moisture and juices, keeping it tender and juicy. The rice will absorb all the delicious flavors from the chicken, veggies, and broth as it bakes.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling it and storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold.

Why You’ll Love Baked Rice with Chicken and Vegetables

• One-Pan Meal: Say goodbye to multiple pots and pans. Everything cooks in a single baking dish, making this an easy and convenient meal to prepare and clean up after.
• Balanced and Nutritious: With lean protein from the chicken, fiber and vitamins from the vegetables, and carbs from the rice, this dish provides a well-rounded, filling meal that covers all the food groups.
• Customizable: You can swap out the chicken for turkey, tofu, or even pork, and the vegetables can be adjusted to whatever is in season or available in your pantry.
• Family-Friendly: It’s simple enough for even the pickiest eaters to enjoy. The combination of rice, chicken, and vegetables is classic comfort food that appeals to all ages.

Conclusion

Baked Rice with Chicken and Vegetables is the ultimate in easy, no-fuss comfort food. It’s delicious, nutritious, and perfectly suited to busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without a lot of prep. The tender chicken, flavorful rice, and colorful veggies come together to create a wholesome dish that your whole family will love.

So next time you’re looking for a hearty and simple dinner, give this one-pan wonder a try. It’s a dish that promises big flavor with minimal effort—just what you need when you’re short on time but craving something wholesome and satisfying. Enjoy!