Easy One-Pan Chicken & Rice Bake (Family-Friendly & Budget-Friendly)

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 50 minutes | Total: 1 hour | Serves: 4–6
Best For: family dinners, busy weeknights, make-ahead meals

A Simple Oven Dinner That Feeds the Whole Family

This one-pan chicken and rice bake is one of those dependable meals every family needs. Everything cooks together in the oven, letting the rice absorb all the flavour from the chicken and stock while staying tender and comforting.

It’s the kind of dinner that feels generous and familiar—easy to prepare, easy to serve, and perfect for gathering everyone around the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for One-Pan Chicken & Rice Bake

• 6 chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks work best)

• 1½ cups uncooked long-grain rice

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 cups chicken stock

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon chicken seasoning or all-purpose seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional:

• Frozen vegetables (peas, corn, carrots)

• Fresh herbs for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. Prepare the rice base by adding uncooked rice, onion, garlic, chicken stock, oil, and seasonings to a baking dish. Stir to combine evenly.

3. Add the chicken by placing it on top of the rice mixture. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper.

4. Cover and bake tightly with foil for 35–40 minutes so the rice can absorb the liquid.

5. Uncover and finish baking by removing the foil and baking for another 10–15 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

6. Rest briefly for 5 minutes before serving to allow the rice to settle.

7. Serve hot, straight from the dish.

Helpful Tips

• Chicken thighs stay juicier than breast for baked dishes.

• Make sure rice is fully submerged before baking.

• Add vegetables halfway through cooking if using.

• Cover tightly to prevent the rice from drying out.

Why This Recipe Works

• One-pan cooking with minimal clean-up

• Affordable, pantry-based ingredients

• Filling and comforting for the whole family

• Easy for beginner cooks to master

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• Easy No-Fail Lasagna