Zesty Oven Baked Chicken and Rice 🍗🍚

This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. The chicken comes out tender and juicy, infused with zesty herbs and spices, while the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors, making every bite a delight. Pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love!

Ingredients

For the chicken

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

For garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.

3. Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a little more olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear for an additional 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

🥄 Searing the chicken helps lock in moisture and adds extra flavor. Don’t skip this step!

4. Prepare the Rice: In the same skillet, add the long-grain rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, bell peppers, frozen peas, lemon juice, and dried oregano.

5. Combine and Bake: Nestle the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is tender.

6. Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges before serving.

🍋 Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the dish right before serving enhances the flavors and adds a refreshing twist.

Variations

• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken rub for a spicy kick! 🌶️
• Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for roasted vegetables and use vegetable broth instead. Increase the baking time to ensure the veggies are cooked through.
• Coconut Rice: Replace half of the chicken broth with coconut milk for a creamy tropical twist on the rice.
• One-Pan Meal: Add additional veggies like zucchini, carrots, or broccoli to make it a complete one-pan meal. Adjust the baking time if needed!

This zesty oven-baked chicken and rice is sure to impress your family and friends while being easy enough for any home cook! Enjoy! 🥳🍽️