Baked Chicken Rice and Veggies Recipe for Easy Dinners

Nothing beats the comfort of a wholesome, one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and an assortment of vibrant vegetables. Our baked chicken rice and veggies recipe is a perfect example of convenience meeting flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or prepping meals ahead of time, this dish brings together simplicity, nutrition, and mouthwatering taste in every bite. The slow baking process allows the chicken to stay juicy while the rice absorbs all the aromatic spices and vegetable goodness, creating a harmonious medley that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, letting you swap veggies based on what’s fresh or in season. Plus, it requires minimal hands-on time, freeing you up to focus on other tasks while your oven does the work.

If you’ve been searching for a fuss-free but hearty meal to add to your repertoire, look no further — this baked chicken rice and veggies recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked chicken rice and veggies dish is a true crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s a complete meal in one dish, combining protein, carbs, and vegetables, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your food.

The slow baking method ensures that the chicken stays perfectly juicy and tender, while the rice cooks to fluffy perfection, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the broth and seasonings.

Additionally, it’s highly adaptable. You can customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or prefer, making it a flexible recipe that works year-round.

It’s also a great meal prep option since it reheats beautifully and the flavors develop even more after a day or two. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe’s straightforward steps make it accessible and foolproof.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Oven-safe baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches)
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil (optional, for covering)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is ready when you assemble the dish.
2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step enhances the flavor base of the rice.
4. Assemble the baking dish: Spread the rinsed rice evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Pour the chicken broth over the rice to ensure even cooking.
5. Add the vegetables: Distribute the diced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and sliced carrot evenly over the rice and broth mixture. Spoon the sautéed onion and garlic on top.
6. Place the chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the vegetables and rice, skin side up if using skin-on thighs. This allows the chicken to brown nicely in the oven.
7. Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. This traps steam and helps the rice cook evenly.
8. Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and the rice is tender.
9. Rest and garnish: Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs for 30 minutes before assembling the dish.

If you want to add some heat, sprinkle a pinch of red chili flakes or try a homemade chilli powder blend into the seasoning mix. For a different texture, swap the rice with quinoa or couscous, but adjust the liquid accordingly.

Feel free to mix up the veggies based on what’s in season — zucchini, mushrooms, or green beans make excellent alternatives. For a creamy twist, stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream cheese after baking.

Vegetarians can adapt this recipe by replacing chicken with hearty chickpeas or tofu; check out our Asian Vegetarian Main Course Recipes for more inspiration.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This baked chicken rice and veggies is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with a few complementary sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, cutting through the richness of the dish.

Roasted garlic bread or warm pita can add a comforting touch on the side.

For a refreshing contrast, try serving it alongside a cucumber-yogurt dip or tzatziki. If you want to keep it simple, a squeeze of lemon over the top right before serving brightens the flavors beautifully.

To explore more wholesome meal ideas, you might enjoy our collection of Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love.

Conclusion

This baked chicken rice and veggies recipe is a true weeknight hero—easy to prep, packed with flavor, and nutritionally balanced. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, with tender chicken, savory rice, and nutritious vegetables all baked together to perfection.

The beauty of this meal lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it adaptable to whatever you have in your fridge or pantry.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting friends, this recipe delivers on both taste and convenience. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a balanced meal with minimal fuss.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to check out other delicious ideas like our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or the hearty Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Happy cooking!

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