Creamy Lemon Herb OvenBaked Chicken and Rice

- Recipe Introduction
- Why You'll Love This Creamy Lemon Herb Baked Chicken and Rice
- The Star Ingredients For This Dinner Recipes
- Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
- Creamy Lemon Herb Oven Baked Chicken and Rice : Your New Weeknight Hero
- Recipe Notes: Nailing That Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
- Frequently Asked Questions
Creamy Lemon Herb Ovenbaked Chicken And Rice

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some proper comfort food ? Honestly, who doesn't? This oven baked chicken and rice recipe is a game changer.
It's got that classic taste with a zesty lemon herb chicken and rice twist!
Brief Overview
This one pan chicken and rice dish has its roots in simple, hearty family meals. It is dead easy to make, taking about 1 hour 20 minutes.
This easy chicken and rice bake serves about 6. Think of it as a perfect way to enjoy a sunday roast alternatives !
Main Benefits
This recipe is packed with protein and flavour. It's great for a weeknight dinners or even recipes for large groups .
Plus, it’s pretty budget friendly recipes so you won't break the bank. Trust me, this will become a family favourite!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Lemon Herb Baked Chicken and Rice
Let's be real. Sometimes you just want something easy, yeah? This baked chicken and rice casserole nails it. It's proper comfort food bake that's also surprisingly healthy chicken and rice recipes .
I remember the first time I made this, I had zero energy. It was a lifesaver. Plus, the creamy chicken and rice element makes it extra special.
You can use bone in chicken recipes or even chicken thigh recipes .
The Star Ingredients For This Dinner Recipes
This dish uses ingredients you likely already have. We are talking about chicken, rice, and some veggies. We are going to use recipes with chicken broth , plus a touch of recipes with heavy cream for that extra lush feel.
Don't forget the recipes with lemon , parsley recipes , and thyme recipes ! These lift the dish.
For equipment, a trusty 9x13 baking dish recipes or oven safe skillet recipes (especially a cast iron skillet recipes ) is ideal. It keeps the cooking simple.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Alright, before we dive headfirst into this easy chicken and rice bake , let's make sure we've got all our ducks in a row.
Nothing worse than getting halfway through and realising you're missing something vital, eh? Trust me, I've been there! So, grab your shopping list and let's get this chicken and rice recipe show on the road.
Main Ingredients Breakdown
For this comfort food bake , we're keeping it simple but flavourful. Here's what you'll need:
- Chicken Thighs: You'll want 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs or 680g ). Bone-in gives the best flavour, honestly.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp ( 15 ml ). Any decent olive oil will do.
- Veggies: 1 large onion , 2 carrots , 2 celery stalks – all chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced ( 2 tsp / 6g ).
- Rice: 1 cup long-grain, rinsed ( 200g ). Rinsing stops it getting too sticky.
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups ( 475 ml ). Stock cubes are fine in a pinch!
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup ( 240 ml ). For that creamy goodness.
- White Wine (Optional): 1/2 cup ( 120 ml ). Adds depth, but skip it if you don't have any.
- Lemon: Zest and juice of 1 . Adds a lovely zing.
- Herbs: 2 tbsp each of chopped fresh parsley and thyme. Fresh is best, but dried will work too in parsley recipes and thyme recipes .
- Salt & Pepper: 1 tsp salt ( 5g ), 1/2 tsp pepper ( 2.5g ). Season to taste, naturally.
For the quality of the bone in chicken recipes , the freshness is key. Look for chicken thighs that are plump and pink.
Don't be afraid to ask the butcher when it was delivered.
Seasoning Secrets
This is where the magic happens! For the lemon herb chicken and rice , we need these goodies:
- Chicken Seasoning: 1 tsp paprika ( 5g ), 1/2 tsp garlic powder ( 2.5g ), 1/4 tsp onion powder ( 1.25g ), plus salt and pepper.
- The Essentials: The paprika adds a smoky flavour, garlic and onion powder just give that extra savoury boost.
If you're missing paprika, a pinch of smoked chilli powder will add a similar depth. It also works well to make healthy chicken and rice recipes
Equipment Needed: The Bare Essentials
Right, you don't need a fancy kitchen to pull this off. Here's what's essential:
- Oven-Safe Skillet or Baking Dish: A large oven safe skillet recipes (cast iron is great!) or a 9x13 inch baking dish recipes .
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For getting those measurements spot on.
- Chopping Board & Knife: For the veggies, obviously.
- Zester & Juicer: For the lemon – optional for the juicer, but a zester is handy.
Don't have a zester? Grate the lemon carefully with a fine grater. Honestly, this one pan chicken and rice is so straightforward.
Creamy Lemon Herb Oven Baked Chicken and Rice : Your New Weeknight Hero
Honestly, who doesn't love a good chicken and rice recipe ? This one is a winner. We're talking about a one pan chicken and rice dream.
The best part? It's dead easy. You can have this easy chicken and rice bake on the table in just over an hour.
Plus, it's total comfort food . Like a warm hug after a long day. Forget your typical bland baked chicken and rice casserole .
This recipe has a zing. The lemon herb chicken and rice combo takes it to another level.
Prep Like a Pro
Essential mise en place : Get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. I'm not kidding, it'll save you a world of stress later.
Chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince that garlic! Squeeze some lemon. Have everything ready to rock. Time-saving tips : Use pre-minced garlic if you're feeling lazy.
No judgement here! Honestly, who has time to peel garlic all the time? Plus, you can find chopped veggies at most supermarkets.
Safety Reminder : Remember to wash your hands before and after handling raw chicken. Food poisoning is NOT a good look.
Bake it Like You Mean It
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
- Rub 1 tsp paprika , 1/2 tsp garlic powder , 1/4 tsp onion powder , salt, and pepper on your 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs . Get in there!
- Sear the chicken in 1 tbsp olive oil in your oven safe skillet . Skin-side down, 5- 7 minutes till golden. Flip, 2- 3 minutes . Remove chicken.
- Sauté 1 chopped onion , 2 chopped carrots , and 2 chopped celery stalks in the skillet. About 5- 7 minutes . Add 2 minced garlic cloves for the last minute.
- Stir in 1 cup rinsed long-grain rice , 2 cups chicken broth , 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional!), lemon zest, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley , and 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme . Scrape up all those tasty browned bits.
- Nestle the chicken on top of the rice.
- Bake for 45 minutes , until the rice is cooked and the chicken hits 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and lemon juice. Let stand for 5 before serving.
Pro Tips for Epic Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
- Crispy skin secret: Pat your chicken skin dry with paper towels before searing. Trust me.
- Don't skip rinsing your rice! It makes all the difference. Gummy rice? No, thanks.
- This creamy chicken and rice is even better the next day. Perfect for meal prepping weeknight dinners .
This is a great easy recipe for anyone looking for easy family dinner recipes or even recipes for large groups ! It's also a super budget friendly recipe .
You could even swap out the chicken thighs for chicken breasts or use brown rice to make it a healthy chicken and rice recipe .
Serve it up with some steamed green beans, or crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes: Nailing That Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
Right, let's talk shop about this Creamy Lemon Herb Oven Baked Chicken and Rice , a true comfort food bake .
It's a simple chicken and rice recipe for the whole family. Honestly, it is a easy chicken and rice bake that I make often and always end up with compliments.
Serving Up Some Brilliance
Plating and Presentation Ideas . I love to serve this in the same oven safe skillet recipes or cast iron skillet recipes it baked in.
It's rustic and looks amazing! A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley always makes it look fancy.
Complementary Sides or Beverages . Steamed green beans or a simple salad with lemon vinaigrette is a great pair. For drinks, a crisp white wine is amazing, or even just a sparkling elderflower cordial.
I recommend those with a recipes with lemon .
Storing Secrets and Reheating Hacks
Refrigeration Guidelines . If you manage to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll happily keep for up to 3 days.
It is perfect as dinner recipes .
Freezing Options (if applicable) . Freezing works. Let it cool completely. Then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will be good for up to 2 months.
Though the creamy texture might change a little.
Reheating Instructions . Reheat in the microwave or the oven . If using the oven, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Tweaks and Twists: Making it Your Own
Dietary Adaptations . For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. You won't believe how lush it is.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps . In winter, I sometimes add some chopped butternut squash to the vegetable mix. Adds a lovely sweetness. Use ingredients based on the season.
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness Inside
Simplified Nutrition Information . Think roughly 450-500 calories per serving. A decent hit of protein from the chicken, and a good balance of carbs and fats.
Of course, this is just an estimate and may not be healthy chicken and rice recipes .
Key Health Benefits . Chicken is a great source of lean protein. Rice provides energy. And the veggies pack in those essential vitamins.
It's a well-rounded meal, innit? Use a chicken thigh recipes or even bone in chicken recipes . It also is one of the recipes for large groups .
So there you have it! Some little pointers to make your Creamy Lemon Herb Oven Baked Chicken and Rice sing.
Don't be scared to experiment. This easy family dinner recipes is all about enjoying yourself. Now go get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this oven baked chicken and rice recipe?
You certainly can! Just keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster than thighs, so you'll want to reduce the baking time. Check them for doneness around the 30-35 minute mark; you want an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using breasts might also result in a slightly drier dish, so consider adding a bit more chicken broth or cream.
My rice is always gummy! How do I prevent that when making oven baked chicken and rice?
Gummy rice is a common woe, isn't it? The secret is rinsing the rice really well before adding it to the pan. This removes excess starch that causes the stickiness. Also, make sure you're using the correct ratio of liquid to rice – too much liquid will result in mush. Finally, don't stir the rice too much during baking as this can also release starch.
What can I add to this oven baked chicken and rice dish to make it a bit more exciting?
Fancy a bit of pizzazz? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sliced chorizo to the vegetable mixture for a touch of heat. For a Mediterranean twist, swap the parsley and thyme for feta cheese and Kalamata olives after baking. You could even stir in some sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for a burst of flavour.
How should I store leftovers of this creamy lemon herb oven-baked chicken and rice?
Leftovers are a treat for the next day! Store the cooled oven-baked chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to keep it moist. It won't be quite the same as freshly baked, but still a tasty lunch!
Can I make oven baked chicken and rice ahead of time?
You can prep some of the components in advance to save time. Chop your vegetables and season your chicken up to a day ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. You can also cook the entire dish, let it cool, and refrigerate it. Reheat it thoroughly before serving, bearing in mind the rice might absorb more liquid as it sits.