Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

🍗 Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 15 mins

🍳 Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins

🍽 Serves: 6–8


✅ Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

For the Rice:

  • 2 cups long grain white rice (uncooked)

  • 4 cups chicken broth (or water + bouillon)

  • 1 cup red bell pepper, diced

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

  • Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or carrots

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish


🔪 Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare Chicken

  • Pat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.

  • In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

  • Rub the chicken thighs all over with olive oil and the spice mix. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Rice

  • In a large 9×13” baking dish, add:

    • Uncooked rice

    • Bell pepper, onion, and garlic

    • Olive oil or butter

    • A pinch of salt and pepper

  • Stir everything evenly.

  • Pour in the chicken broth, and mix lightly again.

4. Assemble

  • Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the rice mixture.

  • Do not submerge the chicken — it should sit on top so it crisps up in the oven.

5. Bake

  • Cover the dish tightly with foil.

  • Bake for 45 minutes.

  • Remove foil and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until:

    • Rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

    • Chicken skin is golden and crispy.

  • Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra crispy skin.

6. Rest and Serve

  • Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.


🍴 Tips:

  • If using brown rice, increase liquid to 4.5–5 cups and cook time by 15–20 minutes.

  • Add extra veggies like peas, zucchini, or spinach for variety.

  • You can swap chicken thighs with drumsticks or boneless thighs (reduce cooking time slightly).

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