This Chicken and Rice Bake is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken thighs with flavorful rice and vegetables. Easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. With aromatic spices and a delightful blend of textures, it’s a meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 6-8 chicken thighs
- Olive oil (for frying)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, pepper mix, paprika (to taste)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- Bunch of green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup canned corn, drained
- 400 g washed rice (preferably Basmati)
- 800 ml hot water (approximately, 2 parts water per part rice)
- Salt to taste
- Turmeric (to taste)
- Oregano (to taste)
- Aluminum foil (for covering the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Warm some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sprinkle the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika for seasoning.
- Fry the chicken thighs in the skillet until they are golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrot, green beans, bell pepper, and canned corn.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to tenderize.
- Prepare the Rice:
- Add the washed rice to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine.
- Season with salt, turmeric, and oregano to taste.
- Pour in the hot water and stir well.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Pour the rice and vegetable mixture into a large baking dish.
- Arrange the browned chicken thighs over the rice mixture.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is tender.
- Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the chicken to crisp up.
- Serve:
- Take the baking dish out of the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the chicken and rice bake hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Rice Bake is a delicious and satisfying meal that brings together juicy chicken thighs and flavorful rice with a medley of vegetables. Easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures of this delightful bake!
