Delicious Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice
Ingredients:
- 5 bone-in chicken thigh fillets, skin removed
- 1 onion, chopped (brown, white, or yellow)
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp (30g) butter or olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups (270g) uncooked white rice
- 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) hot chicken broth/stock
- 1 1/4 cups (315 ml) hot water
Chicken Rub:
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Oil spray
- Fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F.
- Spread chopped onion and minced garlic in a baking dish (approximately 10 x 15″ / 25 x 35 cm), then place butter in the center. Bake for 15 minutes, checking at 12 minutes and stirring if needed to prevent excessive browning.
- Meanwhile, combine the ingredients for the Chicken Rub. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with the rub.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and add the uncooked rice, mixing it with the onion and garlic.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture. Pour hot chicken broth and water around the chicken.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil, optionally spray the chicken with oil for a nicer finish, and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
- Allow the dish to stand for 5 minutes, then remove the chicken and fluff up the rice. Garnish with parsley or thyme if desired, then serve and enjoy!
Optional Gravy: Although the dish is flavorful on its own, you can elevate it further with a quick gravy made in just 4 minutes flat.