Looking for a family-style dinner that feels like a warm, welcoming hug on a plate? Oven Baked Chicken & Rice just might become your new favorite. This dish brings together tender marinated chicken legs, vibrant vegetables, aromatic basmati rice, and bold spices, all baked to golden perfection. The key to its irresistible flavor lies in how, in a large baking dish, arrange the marinated chicken right atop the seasoned rice and veggies—letting every drop of savory goodness thoroughly infuse both chicken and grains with taste. It’s an oven-baked celebration of color, comfort, and home-cooked simplicity.

In a large baking dish, arrange the marinated chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish only asks for everyday pantry staples and a splash of creativity. Each ingredient has its role—from building luscious flavors to creating those savory aromas that make your kitchen smell like pure bliss. Here’s the lineup and a few tips for bringing it all together:

Chicken Legs: The star of the show, chicken legs become juicy and flavorful as they bake in the seasoned rice mixture.
Oil (5 tbsp): Any neutral oil like canola, sunflower, or even olive oil helps the marinade soak in and keeps everything moist and luscious.
Salt (1 1/2 tsp + extras): Enhances every other flavor, so don’t skip or skimp!
Garlic Powder (2 tsp total): Adds deep, savory notes that complement the chicken and vegetables.
Sweet Paprika (2 tsp total): Brings a gentle, smoky sweetness and a beautiful color to both chicken and rice.
Cayenne Pepper (1/4 tsp): Just enough heat to make things interesting without overpowering.
Dried Oregano or Parsley (1 tsp, plus 1 tsp dried parsley): Adds herbal brightness—parsley is milder, oregano gives a Mediterranean vibe.
Basmati Rice (2 cups): Long, fluffy grains that absorb all the savory flavor while staying beautifully separate.
Onions (2 medium, diced): The backbone of savory flavor and deep aroma.
Red Bell Pepper (1, diced): For color, texture, and a hint of sweetness.
Spicy Green Pepper (1/2, finely chopped): Kicks up the heat just a touch—adjust to taste.
Mushrooms (8, sliced): Give the dish an earthy, umami richness.
Carrots (2, diced): Their natural sweetness balances the spice and adds pops of color.
Boiled Water or Chicken Broth (1L): The liquid that ties it all together, infusing the rice and chicken with flavor as it bakes.
Vegeta Seasoning (1 tsp, optional): Adds extra savory flair if you have it.

How to Make One-pot meal of oven-baked chicken and flavorful rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing the chicken legs in a generous coating of oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano or parsley. Give everything a good massage so each leg is glistening with flavor. Let the chicken soak up the goodness for at least 30 minutes—it’s worth the wait, as this is where the depth and juiciness are born.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat up a large skillet over low to medium heat. Add the onions, red bell pepper, spicy green pepper, carrots, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies have softened and the onions are sweet and fragrant. Stir in the second round of garlic powder, sweet paprika, and salt, letting the spices bloom. Finally, sprinkle in the dry basmati rice and sauté for a couple of minutes, just until each grain is glistening with those toasted spices. Set aside.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

With all the savory prep behind you, it’s time to crank up the oven to 180°C (360°F). Let it come to temperature as you assemble the layers of flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Liquid

Boil 1 liter of water or chicken broth and stir in the final teaspoon each of salt, Vegeta (if you’re using it), garlic powder, sweet paprika, and dried parsley. This aromatic liquid is what transforms the seasoned rice and chicken into a textural dream during baking.

Step 5: In a large baking dish, arrange the marinated chicken

Here comes the magic: in a large baking dish, arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer, skin side up (if using skin-on). Gently scatter the sautéed rice and veggie mixture all around and between the chicken pieces, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Pour the hot seasoned liquid evenly over the entire dish. Everything should be submerged but not swimming—check that the rice is covered by about 1/2 inch of broth. Cover tightly with foil or a lid to create a steamy wonderland for the chicken and rice.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the whole baking dish into the preheated oven and bake, covered, for 50 minutes. This gentle bake ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and the rice soaks up every drop of flavor. Then, remove the cover, bring the chicken pieces to the top if they’ve nestled in, and increase the heat to 200°C (392°F). Return the dish to the oven and bake another 25 minutes, just until the chicken is golden and the top layer of rice is lightly crisped.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once your kitchen smells nothing short of dreamy, pull the baking dish from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This is crucial—it gives the rice time to settle and the chicken to become even juicier. Now, in a large baking dish, arrange the marinated chicken onto plates, scoop up heaps of fragrant rice and veggies, and get ready to wow every diner at your table!

How to Serve One-pot meal of oven-baked chicken and flavorful rice

Garnishes

Adding a pop of freshness is always a good idea. Try topping your oven baked chicken and rice with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, a few thin slices of lemon, or even a scatter of pomegranate seeds for sparkle and brightness. It’s amazing how something simple can make all the luscious flavors in a large baking dish, arrange the marinated chicken, really sing.

Side Dishes

You don’t really need much to complete this dish, but a crisp green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil is the perfect contrast to the hearty, savory main. A dollop of Greek yogurt, tangy tzatziki, or a handful of warm, fluffy pita will only add to the feast. The way in a large baking dish, arrange the marinated chicken and serve alongside bright, zesty sides is always a winner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, you can serve right from the baking dish at the table family-style—let everyone dig in! Or try transferring the chicken and rice to a colorful serving platter, arranging the chicken legs front and center with the rice heaped around. In a large baking dish, arrange the marinated chicken and rice, then sprinkle optional toasted nuts or fresh herbs before serving for a dramatic, crowd-pleasing presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover oven baked chicken & rice keeps beautifully. Cool the dish to room temperature, then pack it in airtight containers and refrigerate. Both chicken and rice will maintain their flavor and moisture for up to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

For longer storage, in a large baking dish, arrange the marinated chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers (making sure the chicken is well coated in rice to prevent freezer burn). Label and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

The easiest way to bring this dish back to life is in the oven. Cover with foil and bake at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through. A microwave works, too, just add a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist. If reheating from frozen, allow the dish to thaw completely for the best results.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of chicken legs?

Absolutely! Thighs or even bone-in breasts work well. Just remember that boneless meat may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on the oven and check for doneness earlier. No matter the cut, in a large baking dish, arrange the marinated chicken nestled into the rice for best flavor.

What can I substitute for Vegeta seasoning?

If you don’t have Vegeta, use a pinch of extra salt, a dash of dried herbs, or even a bit of bouillon powder. The seasoning is flexible—you can easily adapt it to what you have on hand without losing the spirit of the dish!

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Easy! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add extra mushrooms or cauliflower florets, and maybe some chickpeas for protein. All the same instructions apply; just in a large baking dish, arrange the marinated chicken substitute and proceed as usual!

What’s the best rice to use?

Basmati is ideal for its light, fluffy texture, but any long grain rice will do in a pinch. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice, which won’t give you the same light, separate grains that absorb the delicious liquid so well.

How can I prevent the rice from turning mushy?

For perfect, fluffy rice, be sure to sauté it briefly with the veggies and spices before baking; this step toasts and “seals” the grains. Double-check that the liquid just barely covers the rice in the baking dish, and let the dish rest after baking to let any excess moisture steam off.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of joy in gathering everyone around the table and sharing a meal as satisfying as this. So the next time you crave comfort and crave flavor, invite your loved ones to try in a large baking dish, arrange the marinated chicken, and watch this oven baked classic become a new favorite in your kitchen!

One-pot meal of oven-baked chicken and flavorful rice

★★★★★

5.1 from 19 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious one-pot meal of oven-baked chicken and flavorful rice with a medley of vegetables, seasoned to perfection.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken, oil, and spices; marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Sauté the Vegetables: Cook onions, peppers, and mushrooms; add spices, then mix in rice. Set aside.
Preheat the Oven: Heat to 180°C (360°F).
Prepare the Liquid: Boil water or broth with spices.
Assemble the Dish: Arrange marinated chicken, top with rice mixture, pour hot liquid over. Cover.
Bake: Bake covered for 50 minutes, then uncover, crisp chicken at 200°C (392°F) for 25 minutes.
Serve: Cool slightly and serve.

Notes

You can customize the vegetables to your preference.
Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste.
Ensure chicken is cooked through before serving.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: International

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 490 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 1200mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 57g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Oven Baked, Chicken and Rice, One-Pot Meal, Comfort Food, Dinner Recipe