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One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake Simple Family Meal

by on July 26, 2025

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Looking for an easy family meal? You’ve come to the right place! This One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake combines juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant veggies—all cooked in one dish. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for busy nights. I’ll guide you through each step to make this tasty dish a hit at your dinner table. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!

To make One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake, you will need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1 cup basmati rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cumin - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley for garnish Using these ingredients, you create a meal that is both hearty and flavorful. The chicken provides protein, while the rice and veggies add texture and nutrients. The spices bring warmth and depth to the dish. It's a simple way to enjoy a balanced meal in one pan. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by seasoning the chicken thighs. Use salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne. Rub these spices onto both sides. This adds flavor to the chicken. Next, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes. You want them soft and fragrant. Now, stir in the basmati rice. Make sure to coat it with the oil and vegetables. This step helps the rice absorb flavors. Pour in the chicken broth and add frozen peas. Mix everything well. Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs back into the skillet, placing them on top of the rice mixture. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and flavors the rice. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature cooks the chicken and rice perfectly. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil. Transfer it to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. This time allows the chicken to cook through and the rice to absorb the broth. Once done, remove the skillet from the oven. Let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors settle. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal! To get great chicken, start with a hot skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Let them sear for 5-7 minutes. This makes the skin crispy and tasty. Flip them and sear the other side for 5 minutes. Remove them and set aside. This method locks in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. For fluffy rice, use basmati rice. Stir it in with the sautéed veggies. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Make sure the rice is fully covered. Nestle the chicken on top. Cover the skillet to trap steam. This helps the rice cook evenly. It will soak up all the broth and flavor. You can add more spices for extra flavor. Try a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder. You can also use Italian seasoning for a twist. A dash of lemon zest brightens the dish. Experiment to find what you like best. Fresh herbs make this dish pop. Try adding chopped parsley or cilantro. You can also use thyme or rosemary for a cozy feel. Add them right before serving for the best taste. Fresh herbs give a nice color and taste boost. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor and freshness to the dish. Consider adding other herbs like thyme or rosemary for variation. Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap the bell pepper and peas for other vegetables you enjoy, such as carrots, zucchini, or spinach. Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption, and the rice should be tender and fluffy. {{image_2}} You can make this dish your own with simple swaps. - Chicken alternatives: If you don't have chicken thighs, try drumsticks or breast. They cook well too. For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu or tempeh. Just marinate them in the spices. - Rice options: While basmati rice is great, you can use jasmine rice or brown rice. Adjust the broth amount for brown rice since it needs more liquid. Spice up your dish with fun flavors. - Different spice blends: Try Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a different taste. Or, mix in curry powder for a warm flavor. You can also use taco seasoning for a fun twist. - Adding extra vegetables: Toss in veggies like carrots, zucchini, or spinach. They add color and nutrients. You can add them during the sauté step or mix them in with the rice. To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. I recommend using glass containers or BPA-free plastic ones. This keeps the food fresh longer. Make sure to store it in the fridge within two hours. Enjoy your meal for up to three days. The best way to reheat this dish is in the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Heat on medium power for 3-5 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating. Can I use boneless chicken? Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts. They will cook faster than bone-in cuts. Adjust the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F for safety. How to make this dish gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken broth. Check the labels on your rice and spices to ensure they are gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy this meal! Caloric breakdown This one pan chicken and rice bake serves about four people. Each serving has around 450 calories. This may vary based on specific brands and portions used. Macronutrient details - Protein: about 30 grams - Carbohydrates: around 50 grams - Fat: roughly 15 grams These values can help you plan your meals based on your dietary needs. Enjoy this tasty dish while keeping your nutrition in mind! This dish combines simple ingredients, like chicken and rice, with fresh veggies and spices. Each step guides you from preparation to cooking, ensuring a tasty result. Use my tips for perfect texture and added flavor. You can also tweak ingredients or storage methods based on your needs. Explore and enjoy making this meal your own, whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned chef. Embrace the joy of flavors and satisfaction of a home-cooked dish. Your kitchen adventures are just beginning!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. One-Pan Convenience: This recipe allows you to cook everything in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
  2. Flavorful and Savory: The combination of spices and seared chicken infuses the rice with irresistible flavor.
  3. Nutrient-Packed: With chicken, vegetables, and peas, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
  4. Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices for a personal touch!

Ingredients

To make One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake, you will need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need:

– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

– 1 cup basmati rice

– 2 cups chicken broth

– 1 medium onion, finely chopped

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

– 1 cup frozen peas

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon cumin

– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– Fresh parsley for garnish

Using these ingredients, you create a meal that is both hearty and flavorful. The chicken provides protein, while the rice and veggies add texture and nutrients. The spices bring warmth and depth to the dish. It’s a simple way to enjoy a balanced meal in one pan.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

Prepping the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken thighs. Use salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne. Rub these spices onto both sides. This adds flavor to the chicken.

Sautéing Vegetables

Next, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes. You want them soft and fragrant.

Mixing Rice and Broth

Now, stir in the basmati rice. Make sure to coat it with the oil and vegetables. This step helps the rice absorb flavors. Pour in the chicken broth and add frozen peas. Mix everything well.

Combining Ingredients

Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs back into the skillet, placing them on top of the rice mixture. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and flavors the rice.

Cooking Steps

Oven Settings

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature cooks the chicken and rice perfectly.

Baking Process

Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil. Transfer it to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. This time allows the chicken to cook through and the rice to absorb the broth.

Resting and Serving

Once done, remove the skillet from the oven. Let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors settle. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Techniques

Perfectly searing chicken

To get great chicken, start with a hot skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Let them sear for 5-7 minutes. This makes the skin crispy and tasty. Flip them and sear the other side for 5 minutes. Remove them and set aside. This method locks in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.

Even rice cooking

For fluffy rice, use basmati rice. Stir it in with the sautéed veggies. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Make sure the rice is fully covered. Nestle the chicken on top. Cover the skillet to trap steam. This helps the rice cook evenly. It will soak up all the broth and flavor.

Flavor Enhancements

Additional spices

You can add more spices for extra flavor. Try a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder. You can also use Italian seasoning for a twist. A dash of lemon zest brightens the dish. Experiment to find what you like best.

Fresh herbs suggestions

Fresh herbs make this dish pop. Try adding chopped parsley or cilantro. You can also use thyme or rosemary for a cozy feel. Add them right before serving for the best taste. Fresh herbs give a nice color and taste boost.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor and freshness to the dish. Consider adding other herbs like thyme or rosemary for variation.
  2. Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.
  3. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap the bell pepper and peas for other vegetables you enjoy, such as carrots, zucchini, or spinach.
  4. Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption, and the rice should be tender and fluffy.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can make this dish your own with simple swaps.

– Chicken alternatives: If you don’t have chicken thighs, try drumsticks or breast. They cook well too. For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu or tempeh. Just marinate them in the spices.

– Rice options: While basmati rice is great, you can use jasmine rice or brown rice. Adjust the broth amount for brown rice since it needs more liquid.

Flavor Variations

Spice up your dish with fun flavors.

– Different spice blends: Try Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a different taste. Or, mix in curry powder for a warm flavor. You can also use taco seasoning for a fun twist.

– Adding extra vegetables: Toss in veggies like carrots, zucchini, or spinach. They add color and nutrients. You can add them during the sauté step or mix them in with the rice.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. I recommend using glass containers or BPA-free plastic ones. This keeps the food fresh longer. Make sure to store it in the fridge within two hours. Enjoy your meal for up to three days.

Reheating Tips

The best way to reheat this dish is in the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Heat on medium power for 3-5 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Common Questions

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts. They will cook faster than bone-in cuts. Adjust the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.

How to make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken broth. Check the labels on your rice and spices to ensure they are gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy this meal!

Nutritional Information

Caloric breakdown

This one pan chicken and rice bake serves about four people. Each serving has around 450 calories. This may vary based on specific brands and portions used.

Macronutrient details

– Protein: about 30 grams

– Carbohydrates: around 50 grams

– Fat: roughly 15 grams

These values can help you plan your meals based on your dietary needs. Enjoy this tasty dish while keeping your nutrition in mind!

This dish combines simple ingredients, like chicken and rice, with fresh veggies and spices. Each step guides you from preparation to cooking, ensuring a tasty result. Use my tips for perfect texture and added flavor. You can also tweak ingredients or storage methods based on your needs. Explore and enjoy making this meal your own, whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef. Embrace the joy of flavors and satisfaction of a home-cooked dish. Your kitchen adventures are just beginnin

To make One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake, you will need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1 cup basmati rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cumin - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley for garnish Using these ingredients, you create a meal that is both hearty and flavorful. The chicken provides protein, while the rice and veggies add texture and nutrients. The spices bring warmth and depth to the dish. It's a simple way to enjoy a balanced meal in one pan. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by seasoning the chicken thighs. Use salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne. Rub these spices onto both sides. This adds flavor to the chicken. Next, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes. You want them soft and fragrant. Now, stir in the basmati rice. Make sure to coat it with the oil and vegetables. This step helps the rice absorb flavors. Pour in the chicken broth and add frozen peas. Mix everything well. Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs back into the skillet, placing them on top of the rice mixture. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and flavors the rice. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature cooks the chicken and rice perfectly. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil. Transfer it to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. This time allows the chicken to cook through and the rice to absorb the broth. Once done, remove the skillet from the oven. Let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors settle. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal! To get great chicken, start with a hot skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Let them sear for 5-7 minutes. This makes the skin crispy and tasty. Flip them and sear the other side for 5 minutes. Remove them and set aside. This method locks in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. For fluffy rice, use basmati rice. Stir it in with the sautéed veggies. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Make sure the rice is fully covered. Nestle the chicken on top. Cover the skillet to trap steam. This helps the rice cook evenly. It will soak up all the broth and flavor. You can add more spices for extra flavor. Try a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder. You can also use Italian seasoning for a twist. A dash of lemon zest brightens the dish. Experiment to find what you like best. Fresh herbs make this dish pop. Try adding chopped parsley or cilantro. You can also use thyme or rosemary for a cozy feel. Add them right before serving for the best taste. Fresh herbs give a nice color and taste boost. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor and freshness to the dish. Consider adding other herbs like thyme or rosemary for variation. Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap the bell pepper and peas for other vegetables you enjoy, such as carrots, zucchini, or spinach. Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption, and the rice should be tender and fluffy. {{image_2}} You can make this dish your own with simple swaps. - Chicken alternatives: If you don't have chicken thighs, try drumsticks or breast. They cook well too. For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu or tempeh. Just marinate them in the spices. - Rice options: While basmati rice is great, you can use jasmine rice or brown rice. Adjust the broth amount for brown rice since it needs more liquid. Spice up your dish with fun flavors. - Different spice blends: Try Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a different taste. Or, mix in curry powder for a warm flavor. You can also use taco seasoning for a fun twist. - Adding extra vegetables: Toss in veggies like carrots, zucchini, or spinach. They add color and nutrients. You can add them during the sauté step or mix them in with the rice. To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. I recommend using glass containers or BPA-free plastic ones. This keeps the food fresh longer. Make sure to store it in the fridge within two hours. Enjoy your meal for up to three days. The best way to reheat this dish is in the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Heat on medium power for 3-5 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating. Can I use boneless chicken? Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts. They will cook faster than bone-in cuts. Adjust the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F for safety. How to make this dish gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken broth. Check the labels on your rice and spices to ensure they are gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy this meal! Caloric breakdown This one pan chicken and rice bake serves about four people. Each serving has around 450 calories. This may vary based on specific brands and portions used. Macronutrient details - Protein: about 30 grams - Carbohydrates: around 50 grams - Fat: roughly 15 grams These values can help you plan your meals based on your dietary needs. Enjoy this tasty dish while keeping your nutrition in mind! This dish combines simple ingredients, like chicken and rice, with fresh veggies and spices. Each step guides you from preparation to cooking, ensuring a tasty result. Use my tips for perfect texture and added flavor. You can also tweak ingredients or storage methods based on your needs. Explore and enjoy making this meal your own, whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned chef. Embrace the joy of flavors and satisfaction of a home-cooked dish. Your kitchen adventures are just beginning!

One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring chicken thighs and basmati rice baked to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 piece bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish Fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper on both sides.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown. Flip them and sear the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  • Stir in the basmati rice, ensuring it's coated with the oil and mixed with the vegetables.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and add the frozen peas. Stir everything together.
  • Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet 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 until the chicken is cooked through and the rice has absorbed the broth.
  • Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize the vegetables or spices to your liking.
Keyword bake, chicken, one pan, rice

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