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Cozy Comfort Chicken and Rice Bake

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A warm and satisfying chicken and rice bake perfect for cozy Sunday dinners, combining tender chicken thighs with creamy, flavorful rice and vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (boneless optional)
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed (basmati or jasmine)
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
  • 1 cup diced carrots or frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine rinsed rice, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and set aside.
  3. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes. (Optional but recommended.)
  4. Pour the rice and broth mixture into a 9×13-inch oven-safe baking dish, spreading evenly. Nestle browned chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the rice mixture.
  5. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid and bake for 45 minutes.
  6. Remove foil, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top if using, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and chicken skin is crisp.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow rice to absorb remaining liquid and chicken juices to settle.

Notes

Rinse rice until water runs clear to prevent gumminess. Browning chicken adds flavor and locks in moisture but can be skipped if short on time. Cover dish tightly during baking to trap steam and cook rice properly. Let dish rest after baking for best texture. For gluten-free, ensure broth is gluten-free. Dairy-free substitutions include plant-based butter and Parmesan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and rice bake, comfort food, easy dinner, Sunday dinner, casserole, one dish meal

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/cozy-comfort-chicken-and-rice-bake-easy-recipe-for-sunday-dinners/