Baked Chicken and Rice

Amy Hand
Amy Hand

Amy Hand

Amy worked as the head pastry chef and the head chef at multiple restaurants in South Africa. She now shares her professional insights about cooking and kitchen tools here at The Skillful Cook.

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This classic chicken and rice is the ideal meal to make after a long day at work. It’s super tasty and can be on the table in under 30 minutes.

Some may think chicken breasts are dull, but with the right seasoning mix and the perfect cooking time, they are anything but that! Chicken breasts are a great lean protein to cook on a regular basis, and this is the perfect quick and easy recipe for the job. The seasoning mix can be made with everyday ingredients you probably already have in your cupboard. 

Uncomplicated, nutritious, and delicious.

Why you will love this Baked Chicken and Rice…

  • Simple midweek meal- All you need is ten minutes of prep time, and the oven and stove do the rest of the work for you.
  • Perfect meal-prepping dish- This dish freezes really well, so it’s an ideal one to whip up when you are trying to get ahead of your weekly meals.
  • Budget-friendly- This recipe is simple and uses common, inexpensive ingredients that still pack a flavor punch.
  • Handy for leftovers- The leftover chicken can be shredded and used to make sandwiches, while any extra rice can be used to make rice salad.
  • Easy dish to cook for many people- This recipe serves 4, but it can be easily multiplied to serve more without extra hassle.

🧑‍🍳 Expert Tips Before You Start

  • Make the chicken an even thickness. This is a pivotal step so all your chicken is moist and evenly cooked without any dry pieces.
  • Test the internal temperature. This eliminates guesswork when cooking chicken and ensures that it will never be dry or uncooked again.
  • Let your chicken come to room temperature. Removing any meat from the fridge ahead of time will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and accurately according to the recipe.
  • Change up the sides. Swap out the veggie sides every time you make it to change up this meal.
baked chicken and rice

Baked Chicken and Rice

This classic chicken and rice is the ideal meal to make after a long day at work. It's super tasty and can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 661 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 2 cups white rice
  • 3 cups water
  • ½ tsp garlic salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper freshly cracked
  • 1 lemon zest
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp Italian herb mix
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

Ingredients:

  • Baked Chicken and Rice Ingredients

Step 1- Cook the rice

  • Rinse your rice well before use. Place one cup of white rice in a pot with 1 ½ cups of water and a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat until the surface bubbles. Turn down to low and cover with a lid. Cook for 13 minutes until the rice is al dente. Set aside.
    Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe Step 1 Cook the rice

Step 2- Prepare the chicken

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F.
  • Take the chicken breasts out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to come to room temperature.
  • Place a layer of cling film over the chicken and pound it with a mallet until they are ½ inch thick.

Step 3- Make the spice rub

  • Combine the garlic salt, black pepper, lemon zest, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and paprika and mix well.
    Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe Step 3- Make the spice rub

Step 4- Season the chicken

  • Drizzle the chicken with the olive oil and rub with the seasoning mix on both sides.
    Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe Step 4- Season the chicken

Step 5- Bake and serve

  • Place the chicken breasts on a tin foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving beside the rice.
    baked chicken with rice

Nutrition

Calories: 661kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 55gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 858mgPotassium: 960mgFiber: 2gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 197IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 52mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how if you liked it in the comments below!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delectable chicken with a creamy mushroom or cheese sauce and a side of roasted broccoli.

Finish the dish off with a glass of chardonnay or pinot noir.

Storage Suggestions

  • To store: Allow to cool completely before placing the chicken and rice in separate containers in the fridge. They can be stored for up to three days.
  • To freeze: Place the chicken in freezer bags or a freezer-safe container. Freeze the rice in separate freezer bags with as much air squeezed out of the bag as possible. Both can be frozen for up to 6 months.
  • Warming up: Heat for two minutes in the microwave to reheat. The chicken can also be heated in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Baked Chicken and Rice FAQs

How do I know my chicken is cooked?

A well-cooked chicken breast will have no pink running through the center, and when cut, the juices should run clear. If you want to be extra certain, you can check the internal temperature, which should be 165°F.

Is chicken and rice healthy? 

Chicken is a great lean protein that also provides many essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. The rice is also a good source of more than 15 nutrients, such as potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6.

How to add flavor to rice?

Rice is usually a mild addition to more flavorful elements of a dish, but you can jazz it up by grating fresh lemon zest directly into the water before cooking.

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Amy Hand
About The Author
After finding the chef life a little too high-paced, Amy decided to take her cooking skills and use them to teach others through food writing. She uses her knowledge as a pastry chef and experience as a head chef to write articles that are engaging and helpful while being as entertaining as possible.

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